London’s Aveley & Newham Band will be playing their part in Rugby League’s showpiece event at Wembley Stadium later this month, when they will perform at the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final.

Worldwide coverage

The battle between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves will be seen around the world via live television coverage on BBC1.

The band will been seen in action prior to the match accompanying massed male voice choirs, as well as accompanying singer Laura Wright in the National Anthem and the singing of the traditional Cup Final hymn, ‘Abide with Me’.

We are very conscious we are representing the whole of the brass band movement, so it’s a mixture of excitement and pride for everyone involvedAveley & Newham Band

Looking forward

A spokesman told 4BR that the band are looking forward to the worldwide exposure the event will bring:

"All the rugby world will be watching this event, and Aveley & Newham is going to be a part of it. We are particularly looking forward to playing ‘Delilah’ and ‘Hey Jude’ and are only sorry that we won’t (hopefully!) have Paul McCartney at the gig to sing along!"

They added: "We are very conscious we are representing the whole of the brass band movement, so it’s a mixture of excitement and pride for everyone involved."

Busy Summer

This event marks the end of a busy Summer season for the band, which included their participation in the Royal Jubilee celebrations and included accompanying the Olympic Flame as it arrived in the London Borough of Newham, home of the Olympic Stadium.