The Coldstream Guards will be marching into Swindon next month to perform a concert in aid of "Combat Stress", the UK's leading military charity, specialising in the care of veteran's health.
 
The Band of the Regiment of Her Majesty's Coldstream Guards, one of the oldest bands in the British army, will be at the Steam Railway Museum on Saturday, 19 Mar 2016, as guests of the Swindon Male Voice Choir.
 
Gordie Smith, from the choir, said, "It is very rare that Military Bands of this status are seen performing here in Swindon. We would usually travel to London to see the band mounting the guard at Buckingham Palace, or Windsor Castle, supporting state occasions such as Trooping the Colour, or making major contributions to the British Legion Festival at the Royal Albert Hall."
 
Along with its distinctive bright red uniform the band has a colourful and distinguished past, including being one of the first British Army bands to make a recording before the First World War.
 
They lost their director during the Second World War when the Wellington Barracks was hit by a German flying bomb, killing 120 people.
 
The band was formed under the leadership of Major C.F. Eley in 1785 and in 1985 the musicians kicked off the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium.
 
Today the 35 strong band perform both military duties and play at concerts all over the UK, including the The Classical Brits Awards Gala at the Royal Albert Hall.
 
Swindon's own 55 strong choir has topped the pops in Welsh festivals and eisteddfods on more than one occasion.
 
Gordie said, "We staged a concert in 2014 with the band of the Grenadier Guards, a very successful event that raised a significant sum for the military charity. Never has there been greater demand for the services of Combat Stress than today."
 
The concert takes place at the Great Western Hall, in STEAM, Firefly Avenue from 19:30.
 
Anyone wishing to join the choir or book tickets on sale for £12.50 should call 01793 822495.
 
Flicky Harrison.