Thoresby Colliery Band received praise from Prince Charles following its performance at the official ceremony of remembrance in London to mark the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Invite

The band was invited by the September 11 UK Families Support Group, alongside world leaders and dignitaries, to join relatives of British victims at the service in the Memorial Garden, Grosvenor Square.

The band’s programme of music set the scene perfectly throughout the ceremony and was featured during the broadcast. It really was an honour and a privilege to play on such an occasionGeorge Kennedy

Broadcast

The service was broadcast on BBC1 with commentary by David Dimbleby, who informed viewers about the band and its ongoing connection with the memorial services.

With such high level security in operation, the band had to show photo ID and all the band’s instruments and equipment had to be checked with scanners and sniffer dogs before they were allowed into the Gardens.

Circumstances

The band’s newly appointed conductor David Purkiss told 4BR: "The band played to such a high standard under very difficult and moving circumstances."

After the ceremony, the band attended a reception buffet and had a chance to meet the families and guests, including Prince Charles who congratulated them and singled out Claire Taylor, the band’s principal cornet, for her playing of ‘The Last Post’.

Honour

Band Chairman George Kennedy, added: "The band’s programme of music set the scene perfectly throughout the ceremony and was featured during the broadcast. It really was an honour and a privilege to play on such an occasion."