Members of the IPA have, for many years, been able to enjoy the opportunity of attending the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, which is not open to members of the public and includes access to the Beefeaters bar!
The special evening for Police officers and IPA members, their family/guests takes place on Tuesday nights only.
The evening is for adults only, 18 year old and over so children as part of a family are not allowed.
To ensure the event continued to be viable for the Warders, opportunities to attend have been widened, but the IPA night still remains. Of course the Yeomen Warders themselves, often choose to bring guests to supplement the numbers and enhance the ambience of the evening.
Gary Egerton and his wife Doreen now manage bookings for the event on our behalf.
When a Branch or Region wish to organise a visit email to toweripa@gmail.com This will allow Doreen to check the diary to see when the next evening a group of the size you intend to take can be accommodated.
It is recommended that you book as early as possible. It is also important to note that there is a strict dress code for access and if this is not met access may be denied. This would be embarrassing both for ourselves and the organisers.
There is a strict dress code:
Gentlemen: A Jacket (Suit or Sports Jacket/Blazer), Shirt and Tie, smart Trousers (no jeans, leather jackets, or trainers permitted)
Ladies: Smart dress code. Smart trousers can be worn, no jeans or trainers. Sensible shoes advisable as the pathways are cobbled and can be hard to walk on if wearing high heeled shoes!
Anyone incorrectly dressed will not be allowed on the tour or in the Yeoman Warders Club.
Meet at the West Gate (Main Entrance) by 7.20 p.m. and when you arrive ask for Gary Egerton or Allen Evershed who will be hosting the evening and checking names of those attending on the list.
Entry is strictly at 7.30 p.m.
After the private tour by the Yeoman Warder, who kindly give up their evenings to take you around, you do get a chance to visit the bar. The prices are extremely reasonable and again the bar staff volunteer their time, so including them in your round as well as the Yeomen Warder would be a nice thing to do. There is also a raffle with prizes that cannot be won anywhere else. I would ask you to generously support that also.
Important Note: Please ensure guests have cash as there are no Credit/Debit Card facilities available within the Tower or in the Yeoman Warders Club/bar for purchasing drinks/raffle tickets
To be very clear there is no charge for access to this historic ceremony. Some organising members charge an administration fee. Whilst that is a matter for individual members booking for the evening it is not a requirement of the IPA or The Yeoman Warders.
Please do continue to support the event which is a significant member benefit for us and of course a really really nice evening out.
Gary and Doreen will give you all the details when booking but if you have any queries don’t hesitate to contact them directly.
There are plenty of places in the close vicinity of the Tower to have a meal prior to the evening commencing.
If you have to cancel or your numbers drop please let Gary and Doreen know at the earliest opportunity.
The group know will be booked in the name of the person booking in case your group arrives separately.