Students enjoy exclusive performance by British Army Band

More than 150 students were treated to an exclusive performance by the British Army Band who stopped at Loughborough College during an East of England tour.

The College was the only FE college on the famous band’s schedule and students enjoyed a 45-minute set which was made up of military, contemporary, modern and film scores.

The visit was arranged by the 7th Brigade Engagement Team (The Desert Rats) due to its strong partnership with Loughborough College.

As well as getting to hear inspiring music, students were also able to ask questions and find out about life as a musician in the Armed Forces.

Emily Blitz, a Caring Services student, said: “I loved how they all came together to make an amazing experience. I learnt a lot as, in the Army, you think that you go into a world full of weapons and machinery – but there are so many different paths you can go into, including being in the British Army Band.

“When people come in to do the enrichment opportunities, it can be anything and it opens your eyes to different paths you could follow. Also, when I left the performance to go back to do my work, I felt very uplifted and it was what I needed after a long time doing coursework.”

Simon Smith, a progress tutor in Public Services at Loughborough College, said: “We were delighted to welcome the British Army Band to campus. It was a real coup for us to get them to perform on campus.

“Our students loved every minute and got some fantastic insight into life in the forces during the Q&A. Being the only college on their tour schedule is a real testament to the brilliant relationship we have with the British Army through the Desert Rats, and demonstrates the wonderful enrichment opportunities we provide for our students.”

It is the latest in a string of high-profile guests who have visited Loughborough College this year.

Earlier in March, Captain Preet Chandi visited campus to talk to students about her epic journey to the south pole.

And in February, British Army Warrant Officer Victoria Blackburn spoke to students about her experience in the Army’s Force Atlantic team which rowed 3,000 miles over six weeks in an 8.5m long rowing boat.