In the run up to Armed Forces Day on Saturday, The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, Scotland recently headed to Formby to hold a workshop with some of the young, talented up-and-coming musicians from the Sefton & Knowsley Youth (SKY) Music Hub.
The young music-makers first had the chance to rehearse en masse with the Band before breaking down into smaller sections for some one-on-one master classes.
BdSgt Paul Meacham, said: “The hospitality the Band received throughout their visit was greatly appreciated and it was testament to all the hard work of the young musicians that, in just a short morning’s rehearsal, they were able to put together a short and very professional performance for their parents and carers.”

Work, however, did not stop there for the band as it was then time for a flying visit to Alder Hey Children’s Charity to present some RMBS Teddy Bears to this fantastic cause that supports the hospital in providing much-needed care to 330,000 children and families every year.
The simple gift of teddy bears was greatly received in preparation for their ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’ in a few weeks’ time when they will be presented to some of the young patients.

Having played significant roles in the pageantry and splendour of the Coronation procession and Coronation Concert, the Massed Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines – including the world-famous Corps of Drums – are now looking forward to thrilling Liverpool audiences with a spectacular musical event at the city’s Philharmonic Hall on Friday 29th September 2023. Tickets are available now at https://www.royalmarinesbands.co.uk/events
The concert is part of the first-ever RM Massed Bands’ tour of six cities and will be on the scale only ever before seen at their annual sold-out performances at the Mountbatten Festival of Music in London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The Massed Bands have a peerless reputation across the world. The concert, in aid of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charities, will showcase the outstanding musicianship and versatility of what are widely regarded as some of the world’s finest military bands.
Over 70 musicians from two of the five RM Bands, namely Plymouth and Portsmouth, will be together on stage with the celebrated buglers and precision-perfect Royal Marines Corps of Drums, as well as singers from the inspirational Music Man project.
Audiences are guaranteed an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through the world of music with a varied menu of musical excellence featuring the usual military favourites, outstanding soloists, and foot-tapping nostalgic ‘Big Band’ sets.
The programme will also include stirring commemoration compositions, colourful lighting effects, and the traditional and thrilling Naval Sunset Finale that always has London audiences cheering for more.
This historic Band Tour will be particularly poignant and emotional for Principal Director of Music Lieutenant Colonel Jase Burcham RM, and Corps Bandmaster Warrant Officer 1 Ivan Hutchinson RM for whom, with 70 years’ service between them, the concerts will be their last before retiring from the Royal Marines.
