Strike up the band – in Grantham

If you love military band music, there’s a real treat coming to Grantham on Friday,
October 2 th .

Another popular concert, raising funds for The Army Benevolent Fund, is scheduled to
take place in the town’s famous St Wulfram’s Church.

This musical extravaganza will feature stirring music from The Band of the Welsh
Guards, special speakers and wonderful songs from 1940s singer Melody Flyte. This
fabulous combination promises to create an unmissable evening of commemoration and
reflection to mark the 80 th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden.

British, American and Polish forces were involved in the Battle of Arnhem, which has
long been recognised as one of the most famous battles of World War II.

The operation to secure the River Rhine crossings and advance into Northern Germany
saw the largest airborne invasion in history. It involved 33,000 troops and 3,600 aircraft
and – although the invasion proved to be a “bridge too far” – it is remembered for its
acts of heroism, bravery and, of course, sacrifice.

Lincolnshire – widely known as “Bomber County” – saw forces train and leave from RAF
Barkston. American aircraft flew from local airfields to drop more than 8,600
paratroopers from all three nations and also towed over 3,000 US glider troops to their
landing zones near Arnhem.

Ferrying them into battle were the unsung heroes of the US 9 th Troop Carrier Command,
launching armadas of aircraft from giant airfields around Grantham.

Music-lovers are urged not to miss the Arnhem80 concert and they can get their tickets
now from the Guildhall Arts Centre on (01476) 406158 (www.guildhallartscentre.com)
They cost £22, but children and young people under the age of 16 go free.