The Band of the Coldstream Guards

Band History

The Regimental Band was formed in 1785, when 12 German musicians enlisted by HRH The Duke of York, Colonel of the Regimental, were sent to England to replace the 8 civilian performers who were hired by the month for the sole purpose of playing The King's Guard to the palace and back. The establishment today is 49 plus the Director of Music.

During its long and distiguished existence, the Band has achieved a worldwide reputation for excellence. In addition to musical duties, it has a medical role in wartime, which was exercised over the period of The Gulf Conflict.

The Band was on duty at Morning Service when the Guards Chapel was bombed on 18th June 1944. Six members, including the Director of Music, were killed.

Since 1945, the Band has performed worldwide, including tours to North America, Japan and Australia and it achieved international acclaim when it performed in the Olympic Stadium at Sarajevo.