Colchester Remembrance Sunday event to have no marching band

An army official has confirmed there will not be a full marching band during the forthcoming Remembrance Sunday service and parade on November 10.

Remembrance Sunday is commemorated across the country each year and sees dignitaries, residents, veterans, and serving military personnel remember those who fought in the First and Second World Wars, and other conflicts.

Colchester’s remembrance service will take place at the war memorial at 11am.

Parade - an image from last year's event (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army) It is then followed by a wreath laying and then a parade along the High Street by the city’s 16 Air Assault Brigade, based at Merville Barracks, in Circular Road South.

Normally, this involves a marching band but this year there will not be one due to “operational and higher priority requirements”.

The British Army Band Colchester is currently in Iraq training with Iraqi Armed Forces musicians.

Former MP and Colchester’s High Steward, Sir Bob Russell, was a member of the defence select committee at the House of Commons and he is not happy about this.

Sir Bob said: “This shows how much successive governments have cut military expenditure over the past 30 years.

Remembering the fallen - last year's service at the War Memorial (Image: LBdr Mills, British Army) “For us not to have a band on Remembrance Sunday is a disgrace.

“For this year’s Remembrance Sunday, a parade without a band is a disservice to those who died on active service, to those who served and are now veterans.

“It’s also a disservice to the serving personnel at Merville Barracks here in Colchester, and to the people of Colchester who are so supportive of Colchestrians in khaki – today’s members of HM Armed Forces.”

This years’ service has been arranged in conjunction with the mayor of Colchester Lesley Scott-Boutell, military authorities, Royal British Legion and veterans’ associations.

Displeased - Sir Bob Russell (Image: Public) During the parade, the 16 Air Assault Brigade will be joined by the guns of 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery.

There will be some musical support from buglers and a woodwind quintet from the British Army Band Colchester members who are not in Iraq.

Castle ward councillor Mark Goacher can understand the reasoning behind the band not being there and thinks it will still be a successful event.

Mr Goacher said: “Obviously it is the army’s decision, it is a completely understandable reason as they are in Iraq.

Councillor Mark Goacher (Image: Newsquest) “Nonetheless I’m sure the remembrance parade will be a moving and important event.

“I would encourage everybody along to come along.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, said: “It is of vital importance that military and civilian communities come together at Remembrance to honour the sacrifice of all who have given their lives for others.

“Not only in the First and Second World Wars but in the many military operations and conflicts that have taken place since.

“Military bands are centrally tasked and, due to operational and higher priority requirements, a marching band is not available for the parade in Colchester.

"The majority of British Army Band Colchester’s soldiers are currently in Iraq training with Iraqi Armed Forces musicians.

"But, from personnel who have not deployed, the band will be supporting its home city’s observance of Remembrance with a bugler at the main service.

"A woodwind quintet performing in St Peter’s Church as part of the laying up of The Parachute Regiment’s former Colours.”