Support the Surbiton Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band –

Help Us Raise Funds for New Drums

This year marks the 60th Anniversary of the Surbiton Royal British Legion Youth Marching Band – six decades of service, remembrance, and community. To mark this milestone and to ensure we can continue supporting young musicians for decades to come, we are fundraising to purchase 10 new side drums from the British Drum Company. These modern drums will replace our current ones, which have served us faithfully for over 30 years but are now heavy and outdated. The new drums are lighter and designed using modern materials, making them much more suitable for our youth members. They will not only be easier and safer to play but will also proudly feature the Royal British Legion crest, reinforcing our identity and mission.

🎶 Drumming is at the heart of what we do. The band provides all instruments to our members, many of whom would not otherwise have access to music tuition or performance opportunities. Our drums must be uniform in appearance and quality, allowing us to maintain the high standard expected at national and local events.

 

Over the years, our band has proudly represented the Royal British Legion at countless events:

 

• Leading the Surbiton Remembrance Day Parade annually since 1965
• Performing at D-Day and VE Day commemorations
• Taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Show, broadcast live on the BBC
• Supporting Armed Forces Day events across the country
• Hosting and performing in concerts, parades, and recruitment events that promote remembrance and The British Legion.

We also foster a deep connection to the Royal British Legion. Once band members turn 12, we encourage them to join the Legion themselves. Our uniforms, instruments, and spirit all reflect this affiliation proudly. 

The band rehearses twice a week at the Surbiton RBL Club and has performed for other local RBL branches including Worcester Park, Richmond, and Long Ditton. We aim to provide music education to all – our Academy Band, launched in September 2024, now has 15 young members, many of whom have already progressed to our main band. We are proud to have helped shape the future of many talented musicians, with several going on to join professional military bands including the Royal Marines Band Service and the Household Divisions. Most recently last year one of our members Luke Ward who joined at 9 years old with no musical experience passed out with The Royal Marines Band Service and is now in the Collingwood Band.
 

We now ask for your support.

💙 How You Can Help:
We are seeking funding or donations to raise £10,000 to help us reach our target to purchase the 10 new side drums. Whether you're able to contribute financially, help spread the word, your support would make a real difference to our young musicians.

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