The Band provided the climax to a concert to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, which took place in the Memorial Gardens in Amersham on 12th June. Though the skies threatened rain, the weather stayed dry as a large crowd gathered in the Gardens. The concert began with performers from the Amersham Music Centre, then Vanessa Bowers, accompanied by pianist Sheila Cornall sang songs describing the Queen’s life, from her parents falling in love, her childhood and resilience during the Second World War, her coronation and more. Then after a Royal British Legion service it was the turn of Aylesbury Concert Band.
The Band’s programme began with Bright Lights by Robert Sheldon, followed by a medley of Frank Sinatra’s hits, arranged by Stephen Bulla. Writing’s on the Wall from the James Bond film Spectre by Sam Smith was followed by an arrangement of songs by Queen, and then Dancing Round the Nursery by Rob Wiffin.
Then it was time for the audience to join in, singing Jerusalem, which was followed by Henry Wood’s Fantasia on British Sea Songs. Finally the Band played Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1 and the audience joined in singing Land of Hope and Glory and waved their flags enthusiastically.
Or not quite finally, for the Band led the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to You to round off a happy afternoon.