Royal Air Force Band to Perform Concert at The Braid Arts Centre

Monday 31 July 2023

This very special concert, entitled ‘Out of Space,’ is a fundraising event in support of the RAF Association (the charity for the RAF family) in Northern Ireland.

Led by Director of Music, Squadron Leader Richard Murray, BMus (Hons), LRSM, LLCM, MCMI, RAF, the audience will be treated to one of the UK’s leading professional Symphonic Wind bands in an inspirational evening of music exploring ‘Air and Space’.

From military marches right through to the movies, the evening will also feature the iconic Big Band sounds of Royal Air Force Swing Wing.

Formed in 1920 at the RAF College Cranwell, the Band of the Royal Air Force College has since forged a reputation of musical and military excellence. Still residing at RAF Cranwell, the Band enjoys performing concerts throughout the year in many of the country’s most prestigious theatres and concert halls, all of which raise funds for Service charities.

The Band has performed at many prestigious State Ceremonial occasions, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and route-lining at Windsor Castle as part of Her Majesty's funeral.

It also played an integral role in the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Their Fanfare Trumpeters recently performed in the ‘Honours of Scotland’ Service for Their Majesties.

RAF musicians perform around the world to represent the proud heritage of the RAF whilst demonstrating musical excellence. Together with supporting local communities and Service charities, musicians connect with and mentor thousands of children through annual school concert projects and youth outreach workshops.

Alongside musical duties, RAF musicians regularly support RAF operations around the world and were deployed across the UK as part of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.  

Wing Commander Noel Williams, Chairman of the RAF Association in Northern Ireland, said:

“The RAF Association is one of the oldest military charities, offering support to an RAF community of one million people. Every year, through a global network of 68,000 members and 270 branches, the RAF Association helps more than 80,000 people to overcome difficulties ranging from physical and mental wellbeing issues to financial struggles.

“If any former RAF member or family member would like to join one of our N Ireland branches please contact me at M: 07739 191 958 or e: noelwilliams895@hotmail.com“.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased online through The Braid Ticketsolve page or via The Braid box office on T: 028 2563 5077; or in-person at The Braid Arts Centre, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena.