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Royal Marines Bands bring music and pageantry to London for Beating Retreat
12 July 2024
Nearly 250 musicians from the Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines brought pageantry, pomp and flair to the nation’s capital.
Personnel of the five bands from across the UK took part in Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade to showcase their musical prowess and impress the crowds.
The event, held every two years, included the emotive naval sunset ceremony with St James’ Park as the backdrop to what was an evening of outstanding military music.
It saw more than 240 musicians from bands in Portsmouth, Plymouth, Collingwood (Fareham), Commando Training Centre (Lympstone, near Exeter) and Scotland (Rosyth) gather for nearly two hours of marching, songs and precise drills.
Lieutenant Colonel Huw Williams is the Principal Director of Music Royal Marines, taking over the role six months ago to lead his first Beating Retreat as director.
He said: “Events like Beating Retreat are the fun and enjoyable parts of my job although there were some nerves leading up to it.
“It’s a lot of people and it’s got to be right so there is some pressure. But our musicians are professionals and we make sure we’re prepared.”
Eight new pieces of music were written by members of the band especially for the event. This year marks the 360th anniversary of the Royal Marines which was reflected in some of the musical scores composed for Beating Retreat.
Lt Col Williams added: “My favourite piece this year is Honoured Legacy written by Colour Sergeant Andy Spain, from RM Band Scotland, as it’s a really imaginative composition.
“He writes music that isn’t exactly traditional so it gives us a challenge but is also something new and enjoyable to perform.”
Our musicians are professionals and we make sure we’re prepared.
The Royal Marines musicians gathered in Portsmouth ahead of the event to rehearse the music and their drills.
The 40-strong Corps of Drums gathered two weeks before the event in London to memorise their pieces of music and steps, being joined by the remaining 200 fellow musicians the following week.
At HMS Excellent, they first learnt the marches and drills before adding their instruments and practising until it was near-perfect.
Earlier this week, the bands travelled to London to rehearse on-site and ensure they were ready for the public performance, split over two days.
Band Sergeant Si Badge, from RM Band Portsmouth, plays the tuba and has been a Royal Marines musician for 19 years. He has taken part in Beating Retreat a handful of times.
“It is always a fantastic event because it’s not like anything else we do,” he said.
“This is one of the only times the Massed Bands get together and the one of the only events that is fully about the Band Service.
“It takes a lot of preparation and work but it’s always a fun couple of days and something I am proud to be a part of.”
All proceeds from the event are donated to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and the RMA (Royal Marines Charity).