News & Media Enquiries

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines join Leeds Castle Summer Concert line up to celebrate 900 years

This year’s Leeds Castle Classical Summer Concert will be opened in spectacular style by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth on Saturday 13th July.

Led by their Principal Director of Music, Lt Col Jon Ridley, The Corps of Drums will march in formation from the Castle, through the crowd, to join the rest of the Band on stage. Their programme will consist of several fun and uplifting pieces as well as some from their more traditional set.

The concert will open in spectacular style with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra taking to the stage accompanied by The Royal Marines Band, to perform the world premiere of  “A Tribute to Leeds Castle”. This unique piece of music reflects the history and is a celebration of Leeds Castle’s significant 900-year anniversary.

The fanfare has been composed by Thomas P. Hodge MBE who commented: “I am really looking forward to hearing the music come alive performed by two of the very best musical organisations in the world. The Royal Marines Band, Portsmouth is one of the finest military bands and I feel immense pride they are performing the piece with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at the Leeds Castle Classical Concert.”

Sir David Steel, Leeds Castle Chief Executive remarked: “Throughout my 36 years as a naval officer, I was and will remain passionate about the Royal Marines Band Service. That they will be performing at Leeds Castle, in the County that was the traditional home of the Band Service, and at such a large outdoor concert, is very special. To have the joy of listening to not only the ‘Royal Band’ but also the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will make this a concert in the Castle’s 900th year, one to remember”.

Every year at the Leeds Castle Classical Concert a charitable collection is taken up and this year’s chosen charity is The Royal Marines Charity who support Royal Marines and their families, whether serving or retired, in times of need.

Conductor and Artistic Director, John Rigby will once again be hosting this spectacular summer event. John Rigby said: “It is incredible to see how much diversity is now incorporated within the Leeds Castle Summer Concert. With our fabulous soloists this year we are able to include so many exciting new pieces – it really is a concert that promises something for everybody!”

The event will have a party atmosphere throughout the summer’s afternoon and evening. With its diverse classical orchestral popular programme, solo pieces, military band and visual spectacle of field guns, superb fireworks and Spitfire flyover, it will be a night to remember. Last year’s finale celebrating forty years of the concert was such a success with the audience, that this will be replicated again, with a final set of popular songs for the audience to dance along to.

For more information and to book tickets visit leedscastleconcert.co.uk. We are proud that Brachers are once again our headline sponsor.

Media Releases
The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines join Leeds Castle Summer Concert line up
Exciting male soloists announced for Leeds Castle Summer Concert
Spectacular soloists announced for Leeds Castle Summer Concert

Photos

From the 2018 event click here
The Royal Marines Band click here
The Royal Marines Charity click here
Composer Thomas P. Hodge MBE Click here
Oliver Tompsettt & Nicky Spence Click here
Alwyn Mellor & Louise Dearman Click here

Social Links

For all media enquiries, contact Penny Williams at Big Plan Group

Mobile: 07850 103133
Email: penny.williams@bigplangroup.com