Since its formation in 1920, the Band of the Royal Air Force College is arguably the band which is most steeped in musical history and tradition. Based at RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire since its formation, the Band continues to perform at a diverse range of venues and engagements across the UK and in countries worldwide.

On parade, the Band has performed at some of the most prestigious state and ceremonial events across the country, including the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and in 2014 was the first RAF Band to change the guard at Edinburgh Castle. 2016 began in spectacular fashion with the Band travelling to Australia and New Zealand as part of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ‘Down Under’. Of the many ceremonial occasions in the same year, one of the most significant and emotional was for the Centenary Commemorations to the Battle of the Somme. The Band played a special antiphonal arrangement of the Sunset at Lincoln Castle under a cascade of ceramic poppies, bringing the week’s events to a fitting and atmospheric close. In 2017, the Band performed for HM The Queen as part of a special Tri-service Drumhead Service of Dedication to unveil the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial on Horse Guards Parade. In the same year, and following the Belfast International Tattoo, the Bands international reputation was further enhanced as they took the lead in Lucerne, Switzerland as part of the World Wind Band Festival.

The Band enjoys performing at concerts throughout the year in many of the country’s best concert halls, all of which raise funds for many service charities. Of the many highlights, the prestigious ‘Anthems in the Park’, at RAF College Cranwell with Brian May and Kerry Ellis remains top. In autumn 2017, during the Charitable Trust Enterprises tour, the band, under the direction of Wing Commander Piers Morrell, were recorded live at Symphony Hall, Birmingham and broadcast on Sky Arts, a first for any military band.

2018 has seen the band undertake many engagements celebrating the Royal Air Force Centenary, including the parade in London, Westminster Abbey Service and a breath-taking performance at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Royal Air Force Swing Wing perform regularly throughout the year and continue to build on their reputation, providing music from the Big Band era. Brass and woodwind ensembles also continue to support Military Engagements and regularly perform in local and wider communities.

As serving members of the RAF, musicians continue to support current operations worldwide. In recent years personnel have served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkey, Cyprus, Minhad and The Falkland Islands, fulfilling roles that have included guarding aircraft and munitions, ambulance driving, convoy commanding and passenger handling.

‘The Band has had a full and rewarding 2018, celebrating the Royal Air Force Centenary. Performing at the Centenary Parade in London and at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo was spectacular. Coupled with Royal Air Force Centenary Gala Concerts in London, Swansea and of course in their home county of Lincolnshire, the Band will cherish their involvement in such an iconic year for the Royal Air Force.

Sqn Ldr Richard A Murray - Director of Music RAF