Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers

20/08/2026

Ever wondered what annual camp is like for a reserve band? Wonder no longer, watch this short video for an insight into a day in the life on Annual Camp 2026, featuring Ali and Sam.

15/08/2026

As we said goodbye to our annual camp last week, we also made our goodbyes to Musician Tom Cudworth who leaves the band after many years in Army music, both in Reserve and Full Time Reserve Service.

Tom has been a key part of our trumpet section and our bass drummer and brings enthusiasm and skill to everything he does. Other than playing music, Tom’s favourite way to relax is by spending time in the great outdoors. True to form, as we set off for home, Tom set out on a long distance adventure on foot.

Tom is now moving into a Regular Army role within the Royal Army Medical Service, and we wish him well for the journey ahead.

04/08/2026

Over the past two weeks as part of our annual camp the band have been rehearsing towards a concert at St Davids Cathedral. This forms part of the Cathedral's Summer Concert Series. The theme of the concert is a musical journey around the British Isles, with pieces representing the different countries. Here's a clip of the powerful ending of Irish Tune from County Derry, arranged by Percy Grainger. To hear more like this come along to our concert on Wednesday 5th August at 19:30, or keep an eye on our social media to hear about our future events.

02/08/2026

On Friday we played in the centre of Tenby to help the RNLI celebrate 25 years of the RNLI Lifeguard service. Even the RNLI mascot Stormy Stan got involved! We had lovely weather and the Tenby station were kind enough to show some of us around the station and lifeboat too which was very interesting.

27/07/2026

We are very pleased to announce the promotion of Andy Garner to Warrant Officer Class 2 and his appointment as our Band Sergeant Major.

WO2 Garner has had a long career in military music, beginning in 1991 when he joined the Army Junior School of Music at Pirbright as a French horn player. Following the closure of the Junior School in 1992, he transferred to Kneller Hall, where he completed his training as part of the renowned "Pirbright Boys" cohort.

In 1994, WO2 Garner was posted to the Band of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters at Tidworth. He holds the distinction of being the last bandsman ever to join the famous "Woofers" Band. Later that year, as part of Army music restructuring, he transferred to the Lucknow Band of the Prince of Wales's Division, also based at Tidworth.

In 2001, WO2 Garner was posted to the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers in Chatham. In 2003, he deployed to Iraq on Operation TELIC, serving with the band in support of 16 Air Assault Medical Regiment.

After leaving regular service, WO2 Garner joined the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers in 2007 where he has expertly performed the role of Drum Major for many years.
In 2018 WO2 Garner returned to full time service, joining the Band of the Grenadier Guards on a 3 year Full Time Reserve Service contract, before returning to the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers in 2021.

Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than three decades, WO2 Garner has performed and toured extensively across Europe, Scandinavia, Cyprus, Canada, the United States, Japan, Morocco, Indonesia, and the Falkland Islands. Notable appearances include Trooping the Colour, international military tattoos, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular, and numerous ceremonial, military, and public performances both in the UK and overseas.

Alongside military music, Andy is active in music community across the East Midlands including regularly appearing as part of the band for musical theatre productions.

Away from music, Andy is a keen triathlete as part of Bingham Tri Club. Andy currently works as a Social Prescribing Link Worker, with other roles recently including helping manage COVID-19 test sites and working as a Police Constable with Nottinghamshire Police.

Andy is supported by his partner, Anka, and his daughters, Darcy and Amy

26/07/2026

Yesterday on our first day of annual camp we supported the Parachute Regiment at a memorial service at the National Memorial arboretum. A real highlight was getting to march behind the regimental mascot, a Shetland pony called LCpl Pegasus V! 🐴🎶

25/07/2026

As we prepare to go on our annual camp in Wales, we are looking forward to two exciting public performances - so if you or anyone you know are in the area please come along! 🗓️31st July in Tenby and 5th August in St Davids.

24/06/2026

It’s reserves day! Today is about celebrating how we have different and varied careers and lives outside the Army but come together as one unit and put all that unique experience and talent into our Army reserve careers.

Today is Reserves Day 💙

CVS Lincolnshire wishes to put the spotlight on our very own Andy Garner, Social Prescribing Senior Link Worker and pay a special tribute to commemorate his time as a Reservist and his valuable contributions.

Andy has recently been selected for promotion to Warrant Officer Class 2 and will be taking on the role of Band Sergeant Major of the Nottinghamshire Band of the Royal Engineers.

In early June 2026, Andy led a group from the band on a visit to Skopje, North Macedonia and Albania as part of the King’s Birthday Celebrations. During this visit the band performed at British Embassy Events and Andy had the opportunity to speak with the North Macedonia President, Prime Minister and British Ambassador and met with the British Ambassador for Albania and their President.

For all those involved it was a truly rewarding and memorable experience. Thank you Andy, for your continued service, 35 years and still counting.

Armed Forces Day

13/06/2026

On 12th July we will be taking part in this RE rededication parade through the streets of Melbourne, Derbyshire. If you’re in the area do come along and support this event.

10/06/2026

Some of our musicians are currently in the Balkans region, supporting celebrations for the King’s Birthday Parade. Here are some excellent photos from a very enjoyable joint concert with the band of the Macedonian Army in the North Macedonian capital Skopje.