Page 53 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2023

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The full cast of Shrewsbury Flower Show, August 2023
The Band of the Mercian Regiment
Sgt J Wood
As 2023 draws to a close and we look back, it is hard to believe that the Musicians
of The Band of the Mercian Regiment managed to fit in so many events alongside their training and civilian occupations!
Engagement Highlights
In May, music spilled out from the Festival Drayton Centre as the Band delighted locals from Market Drayton with an evening of entertainment – a delightful alternative to the Eurovision finals! With traditional pieces such as Rossini’s ‘The Thievish Magpie’ to the more modern ‘Broadway Showstoppers Overture,’ there was something for all.
In June, The Band performed as part of
a special event at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke On Trent in aid of ABF - The Soldiers’ Charity. Joined by The Corps of Drums of Staffordshire and West Midlands North Sector ACF and Pipers from the Scots Guards Association (Manchester) who joined the Band in a series of famous pipe pieces, including 79th Farewell to Gibraltar and Highland Cathedral. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening in fantastic surroundings, with funds raised to support a thoroughly worthwhile cause.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a carol concert, this year held at St Michael & All Angels Tettenhall. With Christmas favourites, audience carol singing, mince pies and a retiring collection for a good cause. The warm welcome makes it a band favourite and of course playing Christmas Festival to round the year off.
ATX
Annual Training Exercise this year was split between Sonderborg, Denmark, as the lead band for the traditional Ringriderfesten
in July, and Shrewsbury Flower Show in August.
The Band joined forces with the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers to provide musical support and entertainment for the annual Ringriderfesten. From marching
the competitors on horseback through the streets of the town to the showground, massed band and individual concerts in the town, a mayor’s breakfast, ladies lunch and gentlemen’s lunch to a full Military Tattoo,
they played to thousands upon thousands of cheering spectators, bringing the majestic pomp and circumstance of traditional British military band music to the masses.
The Shrewsbury Flower Show in Shropshire opened with a march through the streets. Even the rain didn’t stop people coming out to watch, wave flags and enjoy the music resounding off the buildings as they marched through the town and into the show ground. The Band also played on the traditional bandstand, showcasing music
of all genres, complete with excellent solo performances by Musicians Kinsey, Cooper and Pithers, the audience dancing along
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
The Band of the Mercian Regiment with The Band of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment leading the Remembrance Parade in York, November 2023