Irish Guards Band marching on The Mall
Music lovers are invited to treat themselves to a fabulous night out and enjoy the twin pleasures of hearing top class entertainment and helping to raise funds for a hardworking charity.
It’s time to welcome the Band of the Irish Guards to Lincolnshire for this year’s special concert in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) – but the musicians won’t be on their own!
Famous Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery (Britain’s Got Talent winner in 2019) has recently returned from world travels and the 93-years-old soloist can’t wait to star in the Evening of Irish Music and Song.
His audience can look forward to hearing Colin singing solo, accompanied by the band at this unmissable musical extravaganza. The concert will take place in St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham on Friday, October 27, so book your seats now! St Wulfram’s will open at 6.45pm and guests should take their seats by 7.15pm, ready for the 7.30pm start.
Colin, a Korean War veteran, melted hearts and triggered a few wet eyes, when he starred in the ABF’s concert last autumn in Lincoln Cathedral. His renditions were stunning and he was rewarded with a standing ovation and thunderous applause.
Since winning the television show – plus giving nearly all his winnings to his four grandchildren – Colin has sung with Katherine Jenkins at the Royal Albert Hall, appeared on the Royal Variety Performance and taken to the microphone on many other occasions.
Colin said: “I am delighted to be heading back to Grantham again to support ABF, the Soldiers’ Charity, and to be singing with His Majesty’s Band of the Irish Guards”.
The Band is one of seven British Army Regiments who make up the Massed Bands who now support His Majesty King Charles III and who have performed at many high-profile events.
However, admiring them whilst watching television or seeing them marching at a ceremonial event is not as spellbinding an experience as sitting mere yards away and letting yourself be lost in an evening of spellbinding music.
Listening to the Band of the Irish Guards presents a fabulous opportunity to hear a wide programme of music played by talented musicians. Songs are individually introduced by the Director of Music, usually with an explanation about their source and the evening will inevitably include some fun comments.
This occasion also offers members of the audience an opportunity to singalong with Colin and the Band to some well-loved numbers.
Chairman of the Lincolnshire Branch of the ABF and Concert Organiser Neil McCorquodale said: “The ABF work provides ongoing support to former members of the military and their families, easing a wide variety of problems they are facing. We certainly couldn’t do this work without our loyal volunteers and the success of our annual concerts.
“We have all the ingredients for a fantastic evening and guests can choose where to sit.
In addition to the concert, we are inviting people to get their evening off on a high note, by enjoying a Pre-Concert Supper at Grantham’s historic Angel & Royal Hotel.
“We really do hope to see old friends and first-time guests at the concert – which we are confident will leave them uplifted,” added Mr Corquodale.
Concert tickets cost £24 per person, but children go FREE. Tickets can be purchased from St Wulfram’s Church – email: [email protected], tel: 01476 561342; the Guildhall Arts Centre – website: www.guildhallartscentre.com, tel: 01476 406158 or Robert Holland Funeral Directors, St Catherine’s Road, Grantham – tel: 01476 594422.
The Pre-Concert Dinner costs £30 per head (to include a £5 donation to the ABF) and the meal will be served at 4.5pm and 6pm. To book, please call the hotel on 01476 565816.
For further information, please call Janet Britland (ABF Regional Office) on 0115 957 2103.
