The Band of the Welsh Guards

Band History

The Band of The Welsh Guards was formed the same year as the Regiment (1915), and consisted of forty-four musicians and a Warrant Officer, Andrew Harris, their Bandmaster. Their first set of instruments were presented by the city of Cardiff, which enabled the band to carry out the first King's Guard Mounting on St David's Day 1916. On the same day, the band gave its first concert on the stage of the London Opera House and the evening was such a success that the band's reputation for its high standard was immediately established. 

Since its early beginnings, the band has toured extensively and brought the pomp and pageantry of British life to many far-flung corners of the world. In recent years the band has visited Spain, Australia, the USA, Egypt and Belgium. Within its ranks the Musicians come from all walks of life such as colleges, academies, other bands and orchestras. Permanently based in London, its members enjoy a varied and challenging musical career. They can regularly be seen at the ceremony of Changing The Guard at Buckingham Palace and many other State Occasions and national events. The band also performs on a regular basis with The Royal Philharmonic and Hallè Orchestras in some of the most spectacular extravaganzas staged in Great Britain.

Links with the Battalion's traditional recruiting area in Wales are also maintained by regular public appearances often with many of the fine male voice choirs for which the Principality is renowned. Involvement with children and young people in instrumental clinics and music workshops is always a priority, and close ties with various schools and colleges have successfully developed through these avenues. Concerts are also regularly given for charities such as The Army Benevolent Fund, The Royal British Legion and the Soldiers' Sailors' and Air Forces' Association. In time of conflict each member assumes the role as a trained Medical Assistant for which they undergo a short but specialised training.

Through its unique blend of stirring music and colourful ceremony, the band continues to uphold our fine traditions which are envied the world over and continues to appeal to both young and old alike.