The Foreign Office tipped us off about this great video ahead of the Queen’s birthday celebrations tomorrow.

In the film, Major Nana Twumasi-Ankrah reminisces about watching the Queen’s Birthday Parade on TV as a child in Ghana; and now he commands the very regiment he saw taking part all those years ago! (Different soldiers now, of course, but still very impressive.)

As the first black officer commissioned in the Household Cavalry commanding 120 men and 120 horses, the Major believes the diverse make-up of his regiment embodies the wider modern Britain where “officers from so many backgrounds all mix together as one.”

It gives a lovely picture of how people on the inside of London’s pomp and ceremony are still excited by what they do.

If you’re interested in Ghanian culture in London, you can check out the Ghana in London entry in our World in London series.

The London 2012 beach volleyball competition, planned for Horse Guards Parade, has received the go-ahead from Westminster City Council.

A temporary stadium, holding 15,000 spectators, will be built in Horse Guards Parade from mid-June 2012.

Horse Guards is famous for hosting ceremonial events like Tropping the Colour. It gets more than 6 million visitors each year.

The Olympic beach volleyball schedule will last for 13 days from late July to early August 2012, and is expected to be one of the most popular at the Games. Ticket prices start at £20.

“I am delighted that we have received permission to go ahead with our plans and thank Westminster City Council for their support,” said London 2012 chairman Lord Coe.

“The London Games will be an amazing experience for athletes, officials and spectators, and I believe that Horse Guards Parade will be one of our most spectacular venues and bring real excitement to the area in 2012.”

Mark Camley, chief executive of The Royal Parks, said, “The eight Royal Parks will host a range of London 2012 Games events and we’re delighted that beach volleyball will take place on Horse Guards Parade in St James’s Park.

“This is the first time it will host an event of this kind.”

Is the beach volleyball one of the events you want to see during 2012? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch the football:

Find the best places to watch the World Cup in London with our guide. And let us know if we’ve missed any gems in the comments box below.

Avoid the football:

• Absolut Ice Bar has proclaimed itself a football-free zone with discount food offers and cocktails for £5 until 9pm. 12 Jun 2010
• Get 50% off your food at Dim t during all England World Cup matches. Download the voucher and make sure you place your order between kick-off and final whistle
• If the weather’s good, escape to the terrace at Sanderson for an al fresco champagne dinner and not so much as a mention of the F-word. 7pm, 12 & 18 Jun 2010

And the rest:

• Look to the skies at the free Blackheath Bike and Kite Festival 2010. 12-13 Jun 2010
• Celebrate the Queen’s official birthday with The Trooping of The Colour. 12 Jun 2010
• Explore The Surreal House exhibition at Barbican, including work by Salvador Dali. Until 12 Sep 2010
• Listen to live jazz at The Last Days of Decadence in Shoreditch. 11 Jun 2010