The Band of the Mercian Regiment

16/09/2026

Have you moved to Birmingham to study?
Do you play brass, wind or percussion instruments?
Do you want to be paid to play music?

Come along to Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's Welcome Week Fair to find out more about how you can join your local Army Reserve Band and be paid to play music.
Part time paid opportunities include:-
Paid adventure training
Paid professional music development
Paid opportunities to perform around the local area, nationally and internationally.

The fair starts at 11am, find us in the Gallery, floor 2, table 12 for more information!
We are recruiting now!

13/09/2026

This Saturday was Saragarhi Day, a day to remember the 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikhs, British Indian Army, who in 1897 defended the isolated signalling post at Saragarhi on the North-West Frontier against an estimated 10,000 Afghan/Pashtun tribesmen. Saragarhi is one of the great last stands in British military history.

The Band of the Mercian Regiment proudly took part in the ceremony held at the Wednesfield Saragarhi Memorial, where the local Sikh community, representatives from the UK Armed Forces, dignitaries, veterans and local people of all denominations stood together to commemorate the bravery of those at Saragarhi, and the shared history and traditions of the Sikh community within the Armed Forces. Last Post was sounded by Musician Lewis Kirk, and a commemorative plaque gratefully received by the Band. After the parade, service and prayers the community came together for a very tasty curry.

The Band were joined by colleagues from the Lancashire Artillery Band and from British Army Band Catterick.

If you are interested in joining the Band, get in touch we are recruiting now! There is an Open Rehearsal on the 18th October, see our social media for more details.
British Army Band Catterick
Lancashire Artillery Band

08/09/2026

Would you like to be paid to play music?🎹🎶🥁

Musician Callum Potts plays flute in The Band of the Mercian Regiment and loves the opportunities that being in the Army Reserve offer him.
The Army Reserve pays him a part-time income, which helps support his student life-style, he has opportunities to travel and he’s made many new friends!💪

We are holding an 'Open Rehearsal' on Sunday the 18th of October, 10.00-16.00pm!
If you play an instrument, why not come along and enjoy a day in the life of an Army Reserve Musician! !

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

06/09/2026

Are you interested in finding out more about joining us as a Reserve Musician and getting paid to play music?
Come along to our open rehearsal, follow the link below to register your interest.

Date - Sunday 18th October 2026
Time - 10:00–16:00
Where? - Wolseley House, Wolverhampton

Pass it on!

05/09/2026

Happy World Beard Day!

In March 2024, the British Army lifted the ban of Soldiers having beards.
Strict grooming regulations are in place, to ensure beards are kept professional, with specific guidelines on length and maintenance, to uphold a disciplined image.
The reason for the change was to enhance recruitment and morale, appealing to a younger recruit who values personal expression.
Beard or no beard, if you play an instrument and love music, why not do something worthwhile? !
Email: [email protected]

01/09/2026

in 2007, the Mercian Regiment was formed at Tamworth Castle. This was the result of the amalgamation of the Cheshire Regiment, the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, and the Staffordshire Regiment. Present was the Regiment's then Colonel in Chief, HRH The Prince of Wales; now HM King Charles III.

In the years since our formation, the Mercian Regiment has gone on to be known as one of the most operationally deployed Regiments in the Infantry, while also being coined 'The Heart of England's Infantry'. Although we have achieved many great things as the Mercian Regiment, we must not forget our 330+ years of history that have shaped our existence.

To all our Mercian family out there, we thank you for your support. And to all of our soldiers, we thank you for protecting our country so our families can stay safe.

💪

22/08/2026

Sunshine. Pride. Belonging.

This afternoon, Quarry Park in Shrewsbury came alive as the Band of the Mercian Regiment filled the air with music, energy and community spirit. From stirring marches to film favourites, the mastery of Sousa to the lilting Amazing Grace, every note reminded us of the power music has to bring people together.

It was a privilege to share the Bandstand with friends from other bands and to celebrate what happens when people come together with purpose, passion and commitment. It was the perfect day to be in the park, and the reaction from the crowds was fantastic!

If today inspired you — if you love music, want to be part of something bigger, or are looking for a place to belong — we’d love to hear from you. We’re recruiting NOW. For more information, contact C/Sgt Jason Pickin: [email protected]

22/08/2026

See you at 2pm!

Today in The Quarry!

This afternoon from 2pm, we’re delighted to welcome the fantastic Band of the Mercian Regiment to the Quarry Bandstand! 🇬🇧

Come along and enjoy an afternoon of live military music in one of Shrewsbury’s most beautiful outdoor spaces. 🎶🌳

It’s free to attend, so bring a picnic, grab a chair and enjoy the music!

📍 Quarry Bandstand
⏰ Today, 2pm–4pm

Part of our Summer of Music programme.

https://www.shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.uk/latest-events/

20/08/2026

Musicians are a multi talented bunch. Some of the pieces that we are performing at our upcoming concert on Shrewsbury Bandstand, require more percussion parts than there are hands in the percussion section. This means players within the band have an opportunity to join in some of the more raucous percussion features. In today's final rehearsals Musician Kirk in particular has been enjoying himself!

On Saturday can you spot who else is moonlighting with the percussion team?

2pm Saturday, Shrewsbury Bandstand, The Quarry. See you there!

Are you a percussionist and interested in joining us in our musical adventures? Get in touch now for more information by contacting C/Sgt Jason Pickin at [email protected].

19/08/2026

This Saturday – Free Concert!

Quarry Park Band Stand, Shrewsbury

The Band of the Mercian Regiment will be performing on the Quarry Park Band Stand on 22nd August, starting at 2pm, as part of the Summer of Music 2026.

Why not pack a picnic, get an ice cream and come for a FREE afternoon’s entertainment on a traditional English band stand?