Concert by the Band of the Royal Yeomanry
The Royal Yeomanry is the senior light cavalry regiment of the British Army Reserve. Mounted in light armoured vehicles, it is a fast and highly mobile reconnaissance force with substantial firepower. Royal Yeomanry soldiers train and serve alongside their regular Army Counterparts, 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards. As befits such a regiment, it has a remarkable 35-piece band which not only provides a full marching band for miltary parades but also woodwind and brass ensembles, concert, traditional jazz and big bands.
Each summer, the Band of the Royal Yeomanry provide an open-air concert for the City in Guildhall Yard which to me seemed too good to miss. As it turned out, it was a beautiful, warm and balmy evening and, with little else going on in the City that evening, it was a perfect and calm setting for the occasion.
Lead and conducted by Major Roy Falshaw, Director of Music, the large crowd was entertained to a varied and exciting repertoire. This ranged from wartime pieces such as Eagle Squadron, familiar marches, UK airs and national tunes, pieces from The King and I and Sister Act and many more. The grand finale was a stunning medley of James Bond movie hits. For one magical hour, the audience was captivated; swept along by the energy of the band and marvelling at the quality and finesse of the musicians. A summer treat!