The band originally started as a youth band in 1981 and in 1990 the British Army invited the band to form as the voluntary band of the Army Air Corps based at Middle Wallop near Andover, as they didn’t have a regimental band. They became known as the Voluntary Band of the Army Air Corps but in 1993 the Army decided to disband the volunteer band, being undeterred at this time the Wessex Military Band was formed.

The Ministry of Defence repaid its gratitude to the band by providing financial assistance in reforming as the Wessex Military Band and allowing the band to use the recently decommissioned ‘Wessex’ regiment emblem with its distinctive Wyvern. One of the early and most prestigious engagements the band was involved in the early performing for HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Kent.

When, in 2006 it’s bandmaster and founder retired to Austria, the band was fortunate to have in its ranks people who had been and willing to take over the day to day running of the band. After an extremely successful Winter Concert last year, it has been decided to continue with another one this year at the Electric Palace.

Bandmaster Mr Phil Bond has carefully selected a fantastic programme for the 2024 Winter Concert.
You will be entertained by a variety of brilliant numbers, from the timeless classics to current popular modern tunes, and not forgetting the most important ingredient some Christmassy music, added in for good measure.

The Wessex Military Band has a strong base of members of all ages and abilities, ranging from beginners to ex
military musicians and music professionals. If you would like to join them and can play a brass, woodwind or
percussion instrument or are interested in joining the Corps of Drums, please contact or leave a message for
Mandy Bell on 07535 354433.