Eight Royal Navy Volunteer Bands will provide a day-long musical treat in and around Portsmouth Guildhall on Saturday June 4 – and it’s all for free.
The bands, which travel from establishments across the UK, will compete for trophies in the annual Royal Naval Volunteer Band Association Festival which tests both marching and concert performances.
Marching displays start at 9am in the Guildhall Square and at 1.30pm the Festival moves inside the Guildhall where each band performs a 15-minute concert programme. No ticket is required.
Event organiser Warrant Officer Tom Hodge, of the Royal Marines Band Service, said: “This annual music festival demonstrates the abundance of musical talent which is to be found in the Royal Navy’s Volunteer Bands.
“The competition has been held in Portsmouth for a number of years now and has grown into a spectacular event.
“The public are treated to an exceptionally high standard of amateur music-making, and the whole day is completely free to all.”
He added: “The three bands based in the Portsmouth area HMS Nelson, Sultan and Collingwood will be performing throughout the day, entertaining the general public and demonstrating another side to life in the Royal Navy.
“The RN Volunteer Band Association is extremely grateful to Portsmouth City Council for their support and making the Guildhall available for this unique event.”
The other five bands competing in the competition this year are HMS Heron (Yeovilton), HMS Neptune (Scotland), HMS Seahawk (Culdrose), Devonport Naval Base (Plymouth), and Joint Headquarters Northwood (London).
The RN Pipers’ Society will also entertain the audience during a break in the marching displays at 1020 and 1400. The prize giving will start at about 4.30pm.
