*
banner

Historic brass band performance at Buckingham Palace

The British Army Band Tidworth has provided a historic musical backdrop to the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony

British Army
  The band gained a wonderful reaction as it marched down the Mall in front of Buckingham Palace

The British Army Band Tidworth created history earlier this month when they became the first full British brass band to perform at the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony in Buckingham Palace.

The band was formed in September 2019 and is one of three full time brass bands within the Royal Corps of Army Music. Its members include musicians with backgrounds in the brass band movement.

Support

The band had recently been invited to provide musical support for a local battalion of mechanical engineers who have been given the honour of mounting guard in the nation's capital.

The Changing the Guard on Monday 13th September was the landmark occasion and provided the British Army Band Tidworth with the opportunity to showcase their musical excellence.

The event has been enjoyed by millions of spectators at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle and is usually carried out by active duty soldiers from the Foot Guards who have guarded Sovereign and Royal Palaces since 1660. Until now the ceremony has been accompanied by a full military band.

Brass for Africa

The Band's debut was an equally auspicious moment for the 'Brass for Africa' charity and the pioneering work it has undertaken over many years.

Musicians Akampulira and Bogere from British Army Band Tidworth were joined by Musicians Namugera and Ssegawa from The Band of the Household Cavalry for the occasion — testament both to the players themselves and the organisation which has supported them.

Over half of the band is made up of former or currently registered brass band performers — from the likes of Flowers, Desford, Aldbourne, Woodfalls, Brunel and many others in the local area.

Proud

Speaking about the occasion, Lance Corporal Ieuan Walton who also plays tuba with Flowers Band said: "It's a great tradition and I'm proud that we were the first British Army Brass Band to do it.

It's even more special to me as I am serving in the same band as my brother so we shared the experience together. The public reaction to the band as it marched down the Mall was incredible."

Meanwhile, Musician Danny Jones who also plays with Aldbourne Band, added: "It's really put the British Army Band Tidworth on the map, especially as brass bands hold such a long tradition within British music culture."

The public reaction to the band as it marched down the Mall was incredibleLance Corporal Ieuan Walton

Music

The programme of music featured included some familiar fayre with Philip Harper's invigorating 'The Night of the Tiger', Paul Lovatt-Cooper's arrangement of 'Nobody Does It Better' and also he, 'Walking with Heroes'.

Closing thoughts It has been a long journey in getting the band fit for the upcoming run of duties in London but now the first performance at Buckingham Palace is under the belt it's onwards and upwards.

Relished

A band spokesperson summed the experience up by telling 4BR: "Everyone relished the work involved to prepare for such a prestigious and historic occasion.

The brass band ethos that is ever present within this band is what sets us apart from the other British Army wind bands. There is a huge sense of pride and responsibility upon the shoulders of the band and showcase it in this way to the public was fantastic."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Llangollen

International Eisteddfod victory for Welsh Youth

July 14 • Gwasanaeth Cerdd Gwynedd & Mon Senior Brass Band claims honours in the Community Band category at the Llangollen International Eisteddfod.


Swiss National Youth

Live broadcast 50th celebrations for Swiss Youth Band

July 13 • You can enjoy the special anniversary concert of the National Youth Brass Band of Switzerland and friends today.


LEEDS bEST OF bRASS

Leeds Best of Brass series launched

July 13 • Eight top level bands will be featured at Pudsey Civic Hall as part of the new season of 'Best of Brass' concerts.


Sir Karl Jenkins

Aldbourne to lead Armed Man celebrations

July 13 • The West of England Regional Champion will help lead the 25th anniversary celebrations of Sir Karl Jenkins' 'The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace' in two major concerts appearances this year with the composer.


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


The Hepworth Band - A Summer Proms Concert

Sunday 20 July • Hepworth United Sports Club, Far Lane, Hepworth, Holmfirth. HD9 1RN


Petworth Town Band - Ebernoe Horn Fair

Friday 25 July • Ebernoe Cricket Ground GU28 9LD


Petworth Town Band - Dorset House School Fete

Saturday 26 July • Dorset House School RH20 1PB


Haverhill Silver Band

July 13 • Haverhill Silver Band (championship section) seeks a SECOND HORN. This is a superb opportunity to join East Anglia's premier brass band on the concert and contest stage (including the Senior Cup and Whit Friday).


Ilkeston Brass

July 11 • We are looking for additional cornet players to join us – positions negotiable! Ilkeston Brass is a friendly 4th section band with a long history based in the SE of Derbyshire.


Olney Brass

July 11 • OLNEY BRASS currently seeking a talented player to fill the following vacancy, in order to strengthen their line up: Eb BASS. We're an ambitious and friendly 2nd section band, with a variety of contests, concerts & community events annually.


John Durrant

MA LLCM TD CertEd (Dist)
Conductor, Band Trainer, Composer, Trumpet and Cornet Soloist, Arranger, Adjudicator


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd