The Central Band is the premier and flagship band of The Royal British Legion. Now in its 63rd year, the Band continues to represent The Legion on many formal occasions including annual conferences and special concerts. These have included such high-profile events as The Royal Tournament, the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, remembrance services at Westminster Abbey and more recently with the RPO at Central Hall, Westminster.

Now under the musical direction of Captain David Cole MVO MMUS ARCM RM, the Central Band begins a new era of music making at the highest level.

Concerts
The Central Band has travelled extensively, completing a highly successful concert tour of the Lake Geneva area of France, the Isle of Man and concerts in Germany. Closer to home we have performed nationwide including Scarborough, Bridlington, Blackpool, Huddersfield, Sheffield, Leamington Spa, London, Hastings, Folkestone, Portsmouth, Street (Somerset) and Plymouth.

Every year since 1976 the band has entertained thousands of holidaymakers - often drawing record crowds - during a week of daily concerts on the famous bandstand at Eastbourne. The Band's popularity here is such that many people book their summer holidays to coincide with the Band's week of residence!

Music
The Central Band plays a wide range of music, including concert marches, classical, show music, modern concert band pieces, big band sounds and more modern rock arrangements. Aside from the Director of Music, David Cole, there are a number of talented arrangers within the Band who continue to contribute new arrangements to its library. David Cole's spectacular arrangements are a feature in most Central Band concerts.

Membership profile
Whilst the Band has amateur status, many members are professional and ex-professional musicians, including musicians from the Royal Marines, the Royal Engineers and the Royal Air Force Central Band. The male and female membership come from all walks of life and includes two Doctors (PhDs), company directors, senior managers, accountants a secretary and a computer programmer. There is an active social side with various events throughout the year.

The Central Band is based in Norbury SW London. Each member travels an everage of 40 miles to attend weekly rehearsals, some travel up to 150 miles!

Recordings
The band makes regular commercial recordings, all of which are available on CD. For full details of all the Band's CDs and to download an order form, click here.