| One of the country’s most prestigious military bands, supported by a local church choir with a growing reputation, will be entertaining music lovers to a Christmas Concert in The Corn Exchange, Devizes, on Wednesday, 13th December at 7.30pm – in aid of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – Forces Help (SSAFA).
|
Leading the evening’s entertainment will be the Royal Artillery Band, which performs regularly at many major national state events, including the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, as well as The Festival Hall, Tower of London and St James’s Palace. All the musicians are trained soldiers, many having served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The choral accompaniment will be provided by the St John’s Choir, Devizes, whose reputation is growing rapidly. Many of its choristers are regular visitors to the great cathedrals and abbeys in the region to sing choral services. Affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music, it comprises some 18 children and young people, and a supporting team of adults and teenage boys. The concert will include popular seasonal compositions and carols, in which the audience will be actively encouraged to participate.
SSAFA – Forces Help is a voluntary organisation which undertakes vitally important work for men and women who serve, or who have served, in the armed forces, reserve forces or as national servicemen, together with their families and dependants. With a large number of military bases in Wiltshire, there are many present and former service personnel and their families who have settled in this area. Sadly, a growing number need help.
Brigadier William Le Blanc-Smith, the chairman of the SSAFA Wiltshire committee which is organising the event, said: “We are delighted and privileged to have obtained the services of such outstanding musical talent. Together, they should provide the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit while helping to support such an important charity.”
Tickets for the concert, costing £25 for a family ticket (2 adults +2children) or £10 each for adults and £6 for children under 15, are available at Devizes Tourist Information Centre, Market Place, and Devizes Books, Sidmouth Street, Devizes. Debit/credit cards accepted.
|
