Page 81 - MERCIAN Eagle 2018

The Band of the Mercian Regiment
The Band of the Mercian Regiment
have had a busy and successful 2018, supporting regimental parades and taking part in events all around our region and beyond. Our year began as the band
led the parade as the Mercian Regiment exercised its freedom of Lichfield, and the Colours of the 3rd Battalion of the Mercian Regiment (Staffords) were laid to rest in Lichfield Cathedral. Many of the musicians on parade in Lichfield were also on parade when the Mercian Regiment was formed in 2007 at Tamworth Castle, and the Colours were presented for the first time. To have seen the Colours presented, and then laid to rest, is a real honour. The band also took part in the Freedom of Chester parade in which soldiers of 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment exercised their freedom of the city.
This year the band have supported several military match days around the region, such as at the Ricoh Arena, providing entertainment and ceremony
as Armed Forces Covenants are signed,
or as part of the Remembrance Fixture at West Bromwich Albion, to reflect with the 1914 Sikhs, an Anglo-Sikh heritage trail, which highlights the sacrifice made by Sikh soldiers during the First World War, and to commemorate those who lost their lives in service to their country.
2018 saw the band involved in three major Military Tattoo’s: Stoke on Trent Military Tattoo, Buxton Military Tattoo and Birmingham International Military Tattoo.
Stoke has become a highlight on many calendars and raises money for the ABF. This year the first half featured concert
Band of the Mercian Regiment / Alrewas NMA/ June 2018
Band of the Mercian Regiment / Poppy in the Park, Bromsgrove / June 2018
music interspaced with displays and in
the second half a marching display from
the band. It concluded with a massed bands finale featuring this year’s cast, including Derbyshire Army Cadet Force Band, Staffordshire Army Cadet Force Drill squad, the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums (Manchester), the Bligny Band and Bugles from Shropshire ACF and the Staffordshire Corps of Drums ACF. This was a spectacular sight, and as the Massed Bands, Pipes and Drums played ‘At the Close of Day’ with the Last Post echoing around the Hall. The atmosphere was electric!
Buxton Tattoo saw the band of the Mercian Regiment along with the band of the Yorkshire Regiment, the Welsh Guards band and other performers, entertain in
its rather unique historical setting. The audience were treated to an intricate display of marching skill and precision, with music to entertain everyone. The finale, where the full cast came together, featured soloists from all three bands playing Amazing Grace. C/Sgt Lees represented the Mercian Regiment on saxophone.
As part of the International Military Tattoo in Birmingham, the Band of the Mercian Regiment performed as part of the Massed Bands of the Army Reserve, with Musicians
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