Armed Forces Minister sees massed Royal Marines Bands in action

Armed Forces Minister Penny Mordaunt witnessed the spectacular sights and sounds of the massed bands of the Royal Marines in action in Portsmouth today.

The 200 musicians were rehearsing for a major ceremony in London celebrating the birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Minister saw all five Royal Marines bands preparing at Whale Island for Beating Retreat ceremonies at Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, on May 25 and 26. The Duke of Edinburgh  – Captain General of the Royal Marines – will attend the second performance.

Penny Mordaunt, who watched and listened to rehearsals for about 30 minutes before speaking to some of the musicians, said: “It was a privilege to get a peek behind the scenes to see how it is all put together.

“The Royal Marines Band Service does a huge amount of work around the world which builds important relationships. This year alone bands have been to Australia, India and the United States and in the UK have performed at high-profile engagements celebrating the Queen’s 90^th birthday.

“They prove extremely popular wherever they perform and are an important part of our Armed Forces.”

The 200 musicians were rehearsing for a major ceremony in London celebrating the birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Minister saw all five Royal Marines bands preparing at Whale Island for Beating Retreat ceremonies at Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, on May 25 and 26. The Duke of Edinburgh  – Captain General of the Royal Marines – will attend the second performance.

Penny Mordaunt, who watched and listened to rehearsals for about 30 minutes before speaking to some of the musicians, said: “It was a privilege to get a peek behind the scenes to see how it is all put together.

“The Royal Marines Band Service does a huge amount of work around the world which builds important relationships. This year alone bands have been to Australia, India and the United States and in the UK have performed at high-profile engagements celebrating the Queen’s 90^th birthday.

“They prove extremely popular wherever they perform and are an important part of our Armed Forces.”