Army marching band gives a stirring Christmas performance at Preston's Fulwood Barracks

Preston's Fulwood Barracks was the scene for a stirring musical performance by the Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band and Pipes and Drums of 103 Regiment Royal Artillery.
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The musicians performed a recorded Christmas medley as a socially distanced marching band on Saturday.

They took to the parade square in full winter order with great coats and busbies, bringing some very welcome festive cheer to the Army’s Headquarters in the North West.

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The band paraded in front of the 18th century listed archway, playing a wide range of Christmas music and carols, including Sleigh Ride, Troika, Christmas Festival, Joy to the World, Wassail, Silent Night and Oh Come All Ye Faithful.

The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers band perform a socially distanced Christmas concert in front of the 18th century listed archway at Fulwood BarracksThe Lancashire Artillery Volunteers band perform a socially distanced Christmas concert in front of the 18th century listed archway at Fulwood Barracks
The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers band perform a socially distanced Christmas concert in front of the 18th century listed archway at Fulwood Barracks

The Pipes and Drums also got ready to ring in the New Year with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

They were under the direction of Major Guy Booth who said they would "like to wish everyone in Lancashire and the surrounding areas and counties the very best seasonal wishes".

He explained that the performance would be released over the festive period "to bring good cheer and a small amount of merriment during what is a very different Christmas for everyone".

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The band is made up of Army Reserve Soldiers from around the North West and based in Bolton

The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers band perform a socially distanced Christmas concert in front of the 18th century listed archway at Fulwood BarracksThe Lancashire Artillery Volunteers band perform a socially distanced Christmas concert in front of the 18th century listed archway at Fulwood Barracks
The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers band perform a socially distanced Christmas concert in front of the 18th century listed archway at Fulwood Barracks

Rev Andy Earl, the Senior Padre at the headquarters tells us that one of his favourite Advent activities is creating the Christmas crib scene.

He said: “Whether that’s in Afghanistan, South Sudan or here in Preston, it reminds me of the purpose of Christmas.

"A chance, no matter where we are, with family or away from family, to stop and remember the good will that we share at Christmas.

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"It reminds me that we’re called to enjoy the peace of the season.

"That’s my prayer for you all this year.

"On behalf of the whole team, I’d like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed Christmas.”

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