A well-known and much-loved military band wowed crowds as it held its Winter Concert at Bridport Electric Palace.

Two years after The Wessex Military Band last held its extremely popular concert, the decision was made to revive it.

This time the band took to the stage at a larger venue, the Palace, on Sunday, December 4.

The concert was in part dedicated to the Queen’s historic reign, with some Christmassy numbers thrown in for good measure. 
Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

  • Paddington sketch at the band's winter concert Picture: Tim Russ

Owing to the pandemic, the band hasn't been able to perform its usual number of events, having only started indoor concerts again in 2022 after holding mostly open-air concerts throughout the year.

Originally a youth band in 1981, the group was the voluntary band of the Army Air Corps based at Middle Wallop near Andover from 1990 until 1993 before being disbanded, at which point the Wessex Military Band was formed.

One of the early and most prestigious engagements was for HRH, the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duke of Kent.

Speaking about the winter concert, a spokesman for the band said: "We would like to say a big 'thank you' to all our guests who joined us and helped us make the concert so enjoyable."

One audience member said: "It was a great start to Christmas. We enjoyed every minute of it and we're looking forward to next year's concert already."

"It was a great tribute to the late Queen - and with Paddington," another added. "Absolutely fantastic."

If you would like to join the band and can play a brass, woodwind or percussion instrument, or are interested in joining the Corps of Drums, please contact or leave a message for Mandy Bell on 07535 354433 or email enquiries.wessex@gmail.com.