Pageantry to military music will take over the Cabinet office grounds in Hamilton at 8pm today with the Beating Retreat.

The colourful musical pageant and precision drill is performed by the Royal Bermuda Regiment Band and Corps of Drums, Bermuda Islands Pipe Band and the Bermuda Highland Dancers.

Beating Retreat, in its earliest form, was a drummers’ call.

The drum major and his men would march around the camp playing to warn soldiers that it was time to return to their billets and go to bed.

The ceremony in Bermuda puts soldiers through their paces, demonstrates drilling and provides a popular show for visitors and residents.

The parade is also a chance to entertain the Harbour Nights crowd with a selection of popular tunes.