NZ Army Band entertains visitors to Buckingham Palace

Thousands of tourists who flocked to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard got a little taste of Kiwi, when the NZ Army Band performed the musical part of the ceremony on Saturday 5th May.

The recent performance is believed to be one of the first times that a foreign military band had been invited to play for and accompany personnel from a UK Guards Regiment. It signifies the ability and capacity of the NZ Army Band to perform on the world stage says Director of Music for the NZ Army, Captain Graham Hickman.

“As a small military band, being acknowledged in this way really demonstrates the high regard in which not only our Army Band, but the whole of the NZ Army, is held,” says Captain Hickman.

The NZ Army Band is in Europe to play amongst the world’s top brass, when they perform at the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant this month.

From 10 – 13 May, the NZ Army Band will take their place amongst the multitude of performers who will be celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, in a 90 minute tribute designed to follow the state and commonwealth visits the Queen has made during her 60 year reign.

Despite the scale of the event, the NZ Army Band is bound to stand out – and not just for their performance. The NZ Army Band is the only military band outside of the UK to have been invited to play for the Queen’s celebration.

“With a typical Kiwi approach the NZ Army Band has, over the years, developed an entertaining and highly choreographed style of marching which is unique throughout the military band world. I’ve no doubt this was instrumental in receiving this prestigious invitation”, says Captain Hickman.

Over the four performances, 500 horses and 800 international performers will come together in a spectacular programme of horsemanship, military displays, dancing and music. As a not-for-profit event, all proceeds of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant will be distributed to nominated charities.