The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles

22/07/2026

From the rehearsal to the concert stage, last Saturday marked the opening of our 2026 Massed Bands Concert Series, with our first at Radley College, Oxfordshire. Bringing together three bands in a display of musical excellence and military tradition, the concert was a fitting start to the series and enjoyed by a fantastic audience.

This weekend, the Massed Bands perform once again right here at Exeters Corn Exchange. Demand has been exceptional, with the concert now completely sold out a couple of weeks ago🤩

The final concert of the series will take place on Friday 31 July at Tidworth Garrison, where a limited number of tickets remain available.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-massed-bands-and-bugles-of-the-rifles-tickets-1989299635761

This will be the final opportunity to witness all three bands perform together, joined by the Bugles, in what promises to be a memorable celebration of music, tradition and military excellence. We look forward to welcoming those attending.

Swift and Bold

20/07/2026

Yesterday, we remembered the members of the 1 RGJ Band who lost their lives in the IRA terrorist attack in Regent’s Park in 1982.

The Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles, supported by the Salamanca Band, performed a memorial concert yesterday at the bandstand. At the exact moment the attack took place, we paused in remembrance and stood as the Last Post was sounded in tribute.

We will remember them.

Photo Credit: Cpl Terry Hissey

13/07/2026

The Salamanca Band were delighted to support the 1 RIFLES Family Day on Saturday!

Despite the extreme temperatures, our new light ensemble performed a selection of modern favourites in a relaxed setting for the families. Unsurprisingly, most people (especially the little ones!) wisely chose to enjoy the music from the shade.

If you’re a fan of Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Billie Eilish or RAYE, be sure to come and see us at one of our upcoming performances!

Supporting our fellow Riflemen is always a priority for us, and it was a pleasure to spend time with the soldiers and families of 1 RIFLES during what is shaping up to be a busy year for the battalion.

Swift & Bold

10/07/2026

We are proud to be supporting once again, this year’s Festival of Remembrance.

https://facebook.com/events/s/festival-of-remembrance/1573955017480343/

🌺 Devon Festival of Remembrance 2026 🌺

Join us on Saturday 31 October at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM), Lympstone, for the Devon Festival of Remembrance.

This year's event will focus on the service and sacrifice of those involved in modern conflicts and operations, honouring the courage, commitment and resilience of our Armed Forces community.

We are proud to feature performances by the Salamanca Band and the Band and Bugles of The Rifles, whose music and ceremonial traditions will help create a poignant and memorable tribute to those who have served, those who continue to serve, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Festival of Remembrance is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together, remember, and ensure that the stories and experiences of recent generations are never forgotten.

📅 Date: Saturday 31 October
📍 Venue: CTCRM Lympstone
🎖 Theme: Remembering service in modern conflicts and operations

More details, including ticket information can be found here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/festival-of-remembrance-tickets-1993471336430?aff=oddtdtcreator

Lest We Forget.

09/07/2026

Our musicians are hard at work preparing for an exciting Massed Bands concert alongside our fellow musicians from the Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles and The Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

Taking place on 25th July at Exeter’s Corn Exchange, the concert promises to be a fantastic evening of varied music. We are delighted that tickets have now sold out, and we look forward to performing for a full audience.

The band has maintained a busy programme in recent weeks, having recently returned from the Falkland Islands and proudly supporting Exeter Armed Forces Day. We are grateful to those who have kindly shared these photographs with us, offering a glimpse into some of our recent activities.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the concert.

30/06/2026

On Sunday 14 June, the Band and Bugles were privileged to once again provide musical support and lead the parade for the 44th Liberation Day celebrations in the city of Stanley, Falkland Islands.
In addition, our Woodwind Quintet provided music for the Remembrance Service at the Cathedral before the parade. During the parade service, the Bugles delivered a superb rendition of the Last Post, providing a poignant and memorable moment of reflection in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Following the parade, the Traditional Jazz Band (Dixie) entertained members of the public, service personnel, and veterans as the Liberation Day celebrations continued.
It was an honour to contribute to this important occasion, commemorating the liberation of the Falkland Islands and remembering those who served.

24/06/2026

Happy Reserves Day! 🇬🇧🎶

Today we celebrate all of our Reservists who proudly balance their military commitments alongside their civilian careers, bringing a wealth of skills, experience and dedication to our band.

Among our ranks are trainee accountants, business analysts, teachers, musicians, arborists, adult social care professionals, gas engineers, carpenters, wine merchants, farmers, dietitians, physiotherapists, highways maintenance, driving instructors and civil servants — just to name a few.

The diverse knowledge and expertise our Reservists bring from their civilian professions make our band stronger and more capable. Their commitment to serving their communities and their country, while pursuing successful civilian careers, is truly inspiring.

We are incredibly fortunate to have such talented individuals in our team and would like to thank them for their continued service, professionalism and dedication.

Happy Reserves Day, and thank you to all our Reservists for everything you do.

🎺🥁🎷🇬🇧

24/06/2026

Today we celebrate Reserves Day and recognise the dedication of the incredible individuals who balance their service as Reservists alongside their full-time civilian careers.

First up is our Captain (Director of Music), Lee Clayson. Alongside his military role, Lee supports veterans in securing meaningful employment through his work with The Forces Employment Charity, helping service leavers and veterans successfully transition into civilian careers.

Thank you, Lee, for your continued commitment to both the military and veteran communities.

Today is Reserves Day. An opportunity for us to appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of reservists across the UK and the vital role they play in supporting the Armed Forces community while balancing civilian lives and careers.

That's why we're proud to celebrate Lee Clayson, our Veterans Support Employment Consultant for the South West. Alongside his role with us, Lee serves as a Captain in the Army Reserve and is Director of Music for The Salamanca Band and Bugles of the Rifles.

Last weekend, Lee and his fellow musicians supported Armed Forces Day in Exeter, proudly representing the Reserve Forces alongside service personnel, veterans and the local community.

Lee’s commitment, both in uniform and in his civilian job, reflects the contribution reservists make every day. His passion for service, combined with his experience as a member of the Armed Forces community, helps him make a lasting impact on the veterans he supports.

We’re incredibly proud to have Lee on the team and grateful to him and all reservists for their dedication to keeping our communities safe.

20/06/2026

Today’s performance outside Exeter Cathedral for Armed Forces Day was concluded traditionally with The Rifles Regimental March ‘Mechanised Infantry’.

20/06/2026

Today, the Band and Bugles were proud to support Armed Forces Day in the City of Exeter, joining fellow service personnel, veterans, and representatives from Exeter City Council in commemorating the contribution and service of the Armed Forces community.

Pictured here with Councillor Gemma Rolstone, The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Exeter, and Mace Sergeant Jerry Glazier.