Comber Brass from Northern Ireland was recently asked to perform at a Royal Garden Party held at Hillsborough Castle.

The event was attended by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, on what was their first official visit outside England since their coronation earlier this month. Almost a century ago in 1924, the band had played as a flute combination for the Duke of York (later to become King George VI) but this was an historic first in their brass band incarnation.

Honoured

Under the baton of MD Wesley Thompson they played a varied programme, entertaining the several hundred guests, many of whom were community and public sector workers being honoured for their contributions.

Among the guests was the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, who expressed her pride in the local band's performance.