december 2022
04dec3:00 pmWessex Military Band Winter Concert at the Electric PalaceTheir annual festive concert
Event Details
Introducing the Wessex Military Band The band originally started as a youth band in 1981 and in 1990 the British Army invited the band to form as
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Event Details
Introducing the Wessex Military Band
The band originally started as a youth band in 1981 and in 1990 the British Army invited the band to form as the voluntary band of the Army Air Corps based at Middle Wallop near Andover, as they didn’t have a regimental band. They became known as the Voluntary Band of the Army Air Corps but in 1993 the Army decided to disband the volunteer band, being undeterred at this time the Wessex Military Band was formed.
The Ministry of Defence repaid its gratitude to the band by providing financial assistance in reforming as the Wessex Military Band and allowing the band to use the recently decommissioned ‘Wessex’ regiment emblem with its distinctive Wyvern. One of the early and most prestigious engagements the band was involved in the early performing for HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Kent.
When, in 2006 it’s bandmaster and founder retired to Austria, the band was fortunate to have in its ranks people who had been and willing to take over the day to day running of the band.
Owing to COVID, the band haven’t been able to perform at its usual 20+ engagements. However, during 2021 they started outdoor rehearsals, and performed a number of times on Bucky Doo square, at invite only engagement at Nothe Fort (Weymouth) and at the Bridport 2021 Remembrance Parade, albeit in a more audience-inclusive format. They started indoor rehearsals again at the beginning of 2022, when they were pleased to welcome a number of new / returning players. They are currently limiting their engagements to open air having again started their monthly Bucky Doo concerts. As ever, they are looking forward to entertaining the Bridport and visitor crowds throughout 2022. They are also planning to visit Europe again this year as they have been invited to attend a Schützenfest, renewing a long-term friendship they have built up with the people of Dülmen. The band are hoping in the near future, to be invited to other overseas events in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Malta and Spain, as they have been in the past.
So two years after the band last held their extremely popular Winter Concert, a decision has been made to revive this but for the first time at a larger venue; the Electric Palace. Although the music has not yet been finalised, the Bandmaster promises an enjoyable, entertaining and fun programme, with something for all musical tastes young and old. However, it is envisaged, this will be dedicated to the decades of our Queens historic reign, with some Christmassy numbers.
The Wessex Military Band has a strong base of members of all ages and abilities, ranging from beginners to ex-military musicians and music professionals. If you would like to join them and can play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument or are interested in joining the Corps of Drums, please contact or leave a message for Mandy Bell on 07535 354433 or email enquiries.wessex@gmail.com
Date: Sunday 04 December 2022
Time: Starts 3pm
Ticket Price: £10.00
Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901
Time
(Sunday) 3:00 pm
Location
The Electric Palace
35 South Street, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 3NY. What 3 Words: https://w3w.co/slang.postings.jacuzzi
Organizer
Box Office01308 424901 Bridport Tourist Information, South Street, Bridport, DT6 3LF
