Half of The British Army Band Colchester to be redeployed

The British Army Band Colchester was previously known as The Band of The Parachute Regiment.

A military band would be reduced in numbers by almost a half, the Ministry of Defence confirmed.

The British Army Band Colchester, in Essex, would go from 44 to 23 musicians.

Members would be redeployed to other bands across The Royal Corps of Music by the end of 2024.

Defence minister, Dr Andrew Murrison MP, said the change would "maximise resources".

The band operated out of Colchester Garrison, the home of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.

He said: "The wider workforce will be rationalised across the Royal Corps of Army Music to maximise resources for state ceremonial outputs and operational priorities.

"British Army Band Colchester will focus primarily on delivering defence engagement activity and providing smaller, more agile ensembles."

Previously known as The Band of The Parachute Regiment, the band operated out of Colchester Garrison, the home of the 16 Air Assault Brigade.