Ipswich School Festival of Music and British Army Band Colchester raise £780 for charity

A concert by the British Army Band Colchester which opened the 2022 Ipswich School Festival of Music has raised £780 for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

As part of the performance in October, the Army Band were joined by pupils from Ipswich School and other local high schools for afternoon workshops followed by pupils and musicians playing together in the evening concert.

A collection at the end of the concert raised the money, which will be used by the charity to support current and former service people.

Nicholas Weaver, Ipswich School Headmaster, said: “We were delighted to welcome the British Army Band Colchester to our annual Festival of Music. Not only did they put on a great performance for the audience, it was great to see them sharing their passion for music with pupils of all ages. Added to this, the fact that the concert raised £780 for charity meant it really was a special event to have opened the Festival with.”

One of the British Army Band Colchester musicians is former Ipswich School pupil Joe Purbrook, who plays trombone with the band. He returned to his former school for the concert, where he was able to catch up with his music teachers.

SSgt Andrea Birkett, Bandmaster, British Army Band Colchester said: “We had a great day working with the pupils at Ipswich School and performing for the primary schools in the area. It was a great opportunity to engage with such a thriving local music department, and to have a platform to showcase their hard work in the evening concert. I am so pleased we were able to raise these funds for the ABF, a charity so closely linked with supporting the armed forces.”

Simon Ferrier from ABF The Soldiers’ Charity added: “We were thrilled that the collaboration between British Army Band Colchester and Ipswich School for the Festival of Music was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who had the chance to take part and all those who attended the performance. On behalf of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity our sincere thanks to everyone involved in raising the fantastic amount of £780 which will go towards supporting the Army family in times of need. We are extremely grateful to the school and the Band for their continued support."