Navy News
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Band of HM Royal Marines Collingwood in South Korea
12 November 2018
Musicians from HM Royal Marines Band, HMS Collingwood have recently returned from a highly successful week-long tour of South Korea.
After a ten-hour flight, they hit the ground running at a glittering reception at the British Embassy in Seoul, with an evening performance in front of assembled dignitaries and Embassy guests.
The following morning saw them on another flight, this time to Jeju Island, south of the Korean peninsula where they were based for the rest of the week.
This gave them the opportunity to parade with the South Korean Navy Band in front of South Korean President, Moon Jae-In at the local Naval base.
It was a great honour to be the only foreign band invited to stand alongside the Korean Navy Band to welcome their president
The remainder of their visit was equally busy, appearing at the International Fleet Review where they played a selection of favourite British pieces, with the Corps of Drums, as always, stealing the show!
The Band then performed alongside bands from the US, India and Indonesia at the World Navy and K-Pop Concert at the Jeju World Cup Football Stadium, entertaining the crowd with a rendition of Thomas Bergersen’s “Flight of the Silverbird”.
The Band even found time to offer a workshop to students at the North London Collegiate School, a British International School on Jeju, after entertaining them with a short concert. The visit finished with a Beat Retreat performed to staff and students on their morning break.
Musician Ben Worsfold enjoyed the tour and said, “It was a great honour to be the only foreign band invited to stand alongside the Korean Navy Band to welcome their president and the pride I felt representing the UK will be hard to beat. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Audiences back home now have a chance to experience the Royal Marines Band Collingwood in all their glory in their last series of concerts at the Base’s Millennium Hall at their Christmas concerts on December 13th, 14th and 15th.
For information and to book tickets please call 01329 225299 or email [email protected]. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment!