Unique fundraising concert coming to Salisbury Cathedral

The event will see award-winning concert pianist Rupert Egerton-Smith as special guest artist, in performance with The Band of The Grenadier Guards and The Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

The Band of The Grenadier Guards represent the most senior infantry regiment of the British Army, while the Band and Bugles of The Rifles represent the largest sole rifle regiment in the British Army.

This event not only marks one of the rare occasions that the two Bands will perform together in a concert, but it is also Egerton-Smith’s debut performance alongside them, just prior to the start of his East Coast recital tour of the United States of America.

The concert itself will take the audience on an exciting and unique musical journey; celebrating the rich histories of the two regiments, as well as paying homage to the local Wiltshire area.

All profits from this wonderful evening will go towards supporting the work of The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, Wiltshire Air Ambulance and Youth Action Wiltshire, along with the military charities, all of whom are honoured to share a close association with Her Majesty The Queen.

The Unique Concert is being held in Salisbury Cathedral, famous for its iconic Spire, which is the tallest in the country and home to one of four remaining 1215 Magna Carta.

The Cathedral has close ties with The Rifles; the Royal Berkshire and Wiltshire Regimental Museum is sited in the Cathedral Close and their colour are laid up in the North West Nave Aisle.

Mr Egerton-Smith said: “As a musician it is truly a rare and wonderful privilege to be a part of an event which is so clearly historic by its very nature, and also having the opportunity to perform in such a famous cathedral.

“In addition, being asked to perform with bands that are intrinsically connected to key parts of English history is similarly a distinction of the highest kind, and one for which I am extremely grateful.”

Wiltshire Air Ambulance deputy chief executive Barbara Gray said: “It promises to be a fantastic event in the stunning setting of Salisbury Cathedral, all aimed at raising vital funds and awareness for our charity, The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Youth Action Wiltshire.”

Jennie Shaw, director of The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust, said: “I am so proud of the difference these three charities make to the wellbeing of our county. I am confident the music we will hear will make for a truly memorable evening in the historic Salisbury Cathedral. Your support will enable us to continue this important work and for that we are all extremely grateful.”

Youth Action Wiltshire Community First chief executive Lynn Gibson said: “Community First is delighted to be represented as a charity partner alongside The Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust and Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Through our youth work arm, Youth Action Wiltshire, we are committed to supporting some of the most vulnerable young people in the county at a time of increased demand for complex support, including mental health and financial challenges for the young people and families we work with. We hope that you will join us at this very special event and your support is much appreciated.”

The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury, said: “We are delighted to be the venue for what promises to be a marvellous evening of music, in support of three remarkable local charities that contribute so much to Wiltshire and its communities, in particularly young people.”

Tickets go on sale from Monday 20 November 2023 at 10am, with prices starting from £15. Seats can be booked online from https://tinyurl.com/uniquewiltshire or by calling the Salisbury Cathedral box office on 01722 555128.

A limited number of wheelchair/accessibility tickets are available for this event, which can be secured directly from the box office.

Feature Image: Finbarr Webster