The historical Australian Army Band Newcastle, formed in 1861, will give a fund-raising concert for drought relief as the finale to the New England Festival.
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"The Band was here about 10 years ago, and it was a big success," Mike Creagan, Armidale Pipe Band drum-major and festival committee member, said.
"They gave a very professional, entertaining concert, with a broad range of tunes and musical selections. I expect we will get the same now."
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The band is one of 11 that make up the Australian Army Band. With only a short break from service after World War Two and under various names and configurations, the Australian Army Band Newcastle has existed as Newcastle and the Hunter region's own Military band since 1861.
The band members are drawn from the local community. They are talented musicians employed part-time by the Australian Army, in addition to their normal employment.
The members support and promote the Australian Defence Force while developing music and musicians within the Hunter region.
The band comprises ensembles from quartets to a full military band, and performs music from all genres to suit any occasion. It also features a pipes and drums section.
The army band will march in the street parade at 12.30, then give a concert at the Ex-Services Memorial Club, 137 Dumaresq St, from 6.30 to 9pm.
All proceedings will be donated to the Country Women's Association NSW Drought Aid fund, and distributed locally.
The Armidale Pipe Band and musicians from other towns will give a pre-concert massed band performance before the main concert, in the Servies auditorium from 6.30 to 7pm. (Please be seated by 6.20pm.)
Those wishing to go should book in advance. Tickets cost $25, and are on sale at the Servies foyer, or online at https://events.humanitix.com.au/australian-army-band. Under-18s must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian.
