The Fairfield's Halls in Croydon is set to host a spectacular Christmas music event celebrating the very best of live military music.
The day will begin with a special morning concert, offered free of charge to local schoolchildren, providing a unique opportunity to experience the power, precision and excitement of live military music.
The evening performance, Scarlet and Gold at Christmas, is the British Army's annual charity concert and promises a spectacular start to the festive season.
The two contrasting events celebrate the remarkable versatility of British Army musicians, from inspiring the next generation through an interactive educational experience to delivering a thrilling evening of festive entertainment in support of The Royal Corps of Army Music Charity which provides welfare and benevolence to Serving and Veteran Army Musicians.
Operation CyberBeat
Designed specifically for schools, colleges and universities, the daytime event will take audiences on an exciting and interactive journey into the world of the British Army.
Before the performance begins, attendees will have the opportunity to meet Army personnel from different parts of the Army, learn about the different career opportunities available as well as try on ceremonial uniforms, experience immersive virtual reality activities and discover what life is like in The Army.
Using VR headsets, participants can march alongside military bands, conduct an orchestra and explore a range of musical instruments in a unique hands-on environment.
The experience then moves into the main auditorium for Operation CyberBeat, an innovative and immersive musical adventure in which Fairfield Halls comes under attack from a hostile cyber nation.
As the bands perform live around the audience, participants will solve clues, complete puzzles and work together to restore power to the venue before the final musical mission can be achieved.
Combining live music, technology, teamwork and problem-solving, Operation CyberBeat has been designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and interest in the wide range of careers available within both the British Army and the wider STEM sector.
Scarlet and Gold at Christmas
The evening performance will feature Scarlet and Gold at Christmas, a spectacular concert celebrating the rich musical heritage, traditions and contemporary excellence of British Army musicians.
Featuring the Band of The Rifles and the Band of The Prince of Wales, audiences will enjoy an inspiring programme of festive favourites, military classics, popular music, film scores and seasonal entertainment. Combining world-class musicianship with the precision, pageantry and professionalism synonymous with British Army Music, the concert promises an unforgettable evening for audiences of all ages.
Adding an exciting contemporary dimension to the performance, the Army Engagement Ensemble will provide a dynamic electric backline, bringing energy, colour and modern musical flair to the stage and ensuring Christmas truly starts with a bang.
Special guest artists
British Army Music is delighted to welcome award-winning local voiceover artist, impressionist and entertainer Darren Altman as host for the evening. A semi-finalist on Britain's Got Talent, Darren is renowned for his remarkable range of celebrity impressions, character voices and musical talent, making him the perfect host for this year's flagship Christmas concert.
For the first time, British Army Music will also join forces with pipe organ sensation Matt Walters (Reductio) in a breath-taking musical collaboration. Renowned for introducing a new generation to the majesty of the pipe organ, Matt combines classical artistry with contemporary electronic influences to create performances of extraordinary energy and imagination.
Together with the stirring sound of British Army brass and the splendour of the Fairfield Halls Pipe Organ, this promises to be a spectacular and unforgettable musical partnership. Online, Matt has amassed more than a quarter of a million followers across social media, with millions of streams under his acclaimed @reductiomusic brand.
A spokesperson for the event said:
"We are delighted to bring the British Army bands back to The Fairfield Halls. These performances will showcase not only the outstanding musical talent within the Army but also offer a unique opportunity for audiences, particularly young people, to engage with technology, creativity and teamwork through the exciting world of Operation CyberBeat."
Advance booking is recommended due to anticipated demand. Tickets are available for Operation CyberBeat and Scarlet and Gold at Christmas.
