THE rafters were well and truly raised at The Anvil in Basingstoke as The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood delivered a tour de force performance.

The winter cobwebs were blown away as the mighty band powered through a mixture of military and classical music that showcased the versatility and talent of the musicians as well as the concert venue’s wonderful acoustics. 

Hundreds of people turned out to enjoy the 14th annual Basingstoke Deane Rotary Annual Charity Concert – and it was a delight to see special guests the Chelsea Pensioners make a welcome return to the venue for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020.

After the Chelsea Pensioners had taken a bow, the band got off to a rip-roaring start as ‘Silverado’ marked the start of a first half full of musical majesty.

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As ever, The Royal Marines Corps of Drums performed with pomp and precision, and Lance Corporal Matt Holland then delivered a pitch-perfect trombone solo of ‘What I Did For Love’ from the award-winning hit show ‘A Chorus Line’.

Captain Sam Hairsine, director of music of The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood, and Warrant Officer 2 Bandsman Jamie Gunn shared conducting honours and wielded the baton with aplomb throughout – and this was a particularly special afternoon for Jamie who was making his concert debut with the band.

The second half saw the volume pumped up to the levels of the first, with the afternoon rounded off by a trilogy of ‘Britannic Salute’, ‘Heart Of Oak’, and ‘Life On The Ocean Wave’.

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Congratulations must go to the wonderful Basingstoke Deane Rotarians, and all involved, for ensuring this enjoyable musical treat is firmly back on the Basingstoke calendar post-Covid. Headline sponsor Centerprise International also deserve praise for the invaluable support which means the donations raised from the generous audience can be used by the Rotarians to support several local good causes.