MILITARY and civilian communities will be united by music at the first major Party in the Park at Catterick Garrison.

The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, based in the garrison, is playing a major part in the full day concert on Saturday, June 11, organised by Catterick Garrison Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mark Steed.

Staff Sergeant Band Master Ben Ruffer said the event, held in Coronation Park from noon until 9pm, aims to bring together the military and civilian communities, and to give something back for all the support the Armed Forces receive in Catterick.

“It will be a real family fun day and should appeal to all ages – we have big band from the Royal Armoured Corps band, a rock band from REME, the Spirit Levellers, the WAGS Choir, and Queen and Greenday tribute bands.

“The best bit is that it’s free. There have been similar events organised before but nothing on this scale for several years so it should be a great day.”

He said he hoped it would also act as a showcase of how a career in the Army is a great option for budding musicians.

He said: “Joining the military as a musician or singer is a fantastic way of getting paid well to do your hobby.

“For a musician, it is one of the most secure ways of getting to play as a band because you don’t have to be constantly chasing gigs, and perform all over the world.

Band member Corporal David Wright added: "For us, it is all about the music. We practice in the mornings as a band, then in the afternoons we either plan for events we are performing at or practice in smaller groups.

“Some people might be wary about the Army side of it, but when you go abroad you go as a band to bring up moral for the soldiers and it is so rewarding.”

The band has been created by the amalgamation of the Heavy Cavalry and Cambrai Band and the Light Cavalry Band as part of the restructuring of Army Music in 2014, and runs under the leadership of director of music, Major Ian Johnson.

The Party in the Park will include bouncy castle, food and drink, fun fair and military stands.

For information visit the Band of The Royal Armoured Corps Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bandoftheroyalarmouredcorps or the REME Band Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/REMEBand.