Army Benevolent Fund Essex Christmas Concert 2026
performed by The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas
The Army Benevolent Fund’s Essex Committee is proud to present its much-loved annual Essex Christmas Concert, featuring the acclaimed Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. Marking their first concert in Colchester since relocating to Merville Barracks, this promises to be a truly special occasion.
Join us on Thursday 10th December 2026 at St Botolph’s Church, Colchester, for an unforgettable evening of music and festive cheer. Enjoy a wonderful programme featuring Christmas favourites, traditional Nepalese melodies, and a selection of well-loved carols. Whether you’re a regular concertgoer or simply looking to embrace the spirit of the season, this uplifting celebration is the perfect way to start your Christmas festivities.
Format
The concert will be performed in two halves with an interval halfway through. In the interval a limited selection of wine and soft drinks will be available for an optional donation.
We will be holding a raffle with some great prizes all generously donated by local supporters and organisations, with tickets on sale during the evening. You’ve got to be in it, to win it!
Tickets
Tickets are £20 per person.
Online: To book tickets online CLICK HERE
Cheque: Made payable to ‘Army Benevolent Fund’ and sent to: Army Benevolent Fund East Anglia , Building P04, Room 6, Merville Barracks, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7UT.
By BACS: Please contact: [email protected] for more details.
For tickets purchased by cheque/BACS through the East Anglia Office, please make sure you specify the number of tickets requested.
Event Details
Date: Thursday 10th December 2026
Time: Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm start
Location: St Botolph’s Church, Colchester, Essex, CO2 7EE
The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas
The Band was raised in November 1859 as part of an Indian Army Gurkha Regiment called the Sirmoor Rifle Regiment. It had 16 Bandsmen and one Naik (a leader) and soon became a part of Regimental life, playing for parades, polo matches, dinners and troop entertainment at the Regimental base at Dehra Dun, North East of Dehli. In the early days the Band travelled with the Regiment to other areas of India, Malta, Cyprus and Afghanistan.
Today, musicians are recruited into the Band after their basic military training. Initial musical instruction then commences, first under the supervision of the Director of Music then after approximately four years, at the Royal Military School of Music.