Regent Hall Salvation Army Band honoured at Westminster Mayor’s reception

The Lord Mayor of Westminster praised Regent Hall Salvation Army Band as he hosted a reception in the band’s honour.

The canapé reception organised by Councillor Robert Rigby took place in Westminster City Hall in acknowledgment of the Regent Hall Band’s involvement at the lighting of the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square every year. The band has played at this annual event for more than 20 years. 

The Lord Mayor thanked the band for their many years of support at the tree lighting ceremony and expressed his appreciation for the work of The Salvation Army in Westminster. 

Bandmaster Paul Sharman responded to the Lord Mayor’s words, thanking him for hosting the reception and highlighting some of The Salvation Army’s work at Regent Hall on Oxford Street. This includes the support for people who are homeless and the Community Wardrobe which provides pre-loved and new clothes and shoes to families and individuals who otherwise could not afford them. 

Paul said: “The band members look forward to playing at the Trafalgar Square tree lighting ceremony every year, it marks the start of the Christmas season for us. We all enjoyed the Lord Mayor’s reception and would like to express our gratitude for this recognition.”

The Regent Hall band has 35 members and 30 of them attended the reception. The church leaders at Regent Hall Salvation Army, Majors Geoff and Liz Chape and Associate Officer, Captain Rona Mutcha were also present. 

There has been a band at Regent Hall for 140 years and several of the members have been part of the current band for many years. The band provide the music at Regent Hall services on a Sunday and play on Oxford Street every Sunday morning.

Over the years, the Regent Hall band has given concerts and led services across the UK and Ireland and travelled abroad to play in countries including America and Brazil. In May, the band will travel to Guernsey to present indoor and outdoor concerts and to lead worship.

To find out more about the work of Regent Hall Salvation Army visit: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/regent-hall