UK troops stationed in Bahrain get thrilling day out at Grand Prix, thanks to military charity

Scores of Royal Navy personnel based in Bahrain enjoyed a day out at the first Grand Prix of the season, thanks to military charity Tickets For Troops.

More than 150 troops permanently stationed at the strategically positioned UK Naval Support Facility, plus those serving on the forward-deployed Royal Navy vessels, could visit the international circuit over the three days.

The tickets were donated by the Bahrain circuit operators and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Gulf state, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who is also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Bahrain Defence Force.

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The Royal Navy base, which was partly funded by the Bahrain government and formally opened in 2018, has played a key role in patrolling the Red Sea and the Gulf where shipping traffic has been disrupted by recent conflict in the region.

Commander Alex Savage, Commanding Officer of the UK Naval Support Facility in Bahrain, said: "We are massively grateful to Tickets For Troops and the Grand Prix organisers for their fantastic generosity in providing tickets for the Grand Prix, which is the highlight of the sporting calendar in this area. 

"The tickets meant that everyone working here had the opportunity to attend on one of the three days and that means a lot when they are such a long way from their families and friends at home in the UK."

Lord Marland, Tickets For Troops chair, said: "We are really proud that we have managed to extend our reach and support for those members of the UK military serving abroad and helping to keep us safe. 

"We also owe a big thank you to the donors like the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit and the Crown Prince in particular for his support." 

Tickets For Troops' mission is to provide service personnel with the chance to create lasting memories by sending them tickets to watch events such as football matches, stand-up comedy shows and musical performances.

Upcoming events include the Wales Six Nations and popular festivals such as Reading, Leeds, Download, Wireless and Latitude.