Events

RAF bands celebrate 100 years of the Royal Air Force

Posted 1 August 2018

The Royal Air Force’s finest musicians are giving audiences across the country their last opportunity to celebrate the centenary at the RAF in Concert Tour where they will be delighted with an all embracing tribute to mark RAF100.

This once-in-a-lifetime event will see the RAF’s principal bands and the Salon Orchestra visit 11 prestigious venues around the UK, starting in Poole on 23rd September and ending in Manchester on 31st October.

Concertgoers will be able to enjoy an entertaining programme of music that showcases the performers’ virtuosity, reflecting the modern Royal Air Force of today. From rousing military marches, to toe-tapping big band numbers and timeless classical pieces, accomplished musicians from the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the Band of the Royal Air Force College will shine a spotlight on key RAF events through its history.

Classic military tunes including the The Dambusters March and Spitfire Fugue will share the programme alongside the fantastic big band sound of Glenn Miller’s In the Mood and Keep 'em Flying.

Also taking to the stage will be RAF vocalists, Corporal Matthew Walker and Senior Aircraftman Philippa Hobbs performing some hugely popular songs including: Come Fly With Me, Mr Blue Sky, Stars and Miss Otis Regrets.

Tour organiser Tina Outlaw said: “The Concert Tour is a fitting finale for a wonderful year of celebrations marking the centenary of the Royal Air Force. RAF 100’s mission has been to Commemorate, Celebrate and Inspire and what better way to do it than through music spanning the past 10 decades”.

Sponsored by BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin, the concert tour is staged in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.

The concert tour will visit: Lighthouse, Poole; 23rd September: Bristol Cathedral, Bristol; 25th September: Symphony Hall, Birmingham; 26th September: Theatre Royal, Norwich; 29th September: Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow; 3rd October: Sage Gateshead, Gateshead; 4th October: Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; 19th October: Waterfront, Belfast; 23rd October: Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham; 27th October: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury; 28th October: Bridgewater Hall, Manchester; 31st October.

For further information please visit: rafinconcert.com