25th Anniversary Weekend

Saturday

The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Warks
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Warwickshire is a voluntary military wind band based in Sheldon, Birmingham. The Band carry out engagements throughout the West Midlands and Warwickshire on behalf of the Regiment and the wider regimental family. Their rousing musical performance will be delivered under the direction of Bandmaster WO1 Antonio Socci and by kind permission of the Colonel of the Regiment.

Digby Military Wives Choir
Bringing together women connected through military life, the Digby Military Wives Choir shares uplifting performances that celebrate community spirit and emotional connection through music. Performing everything from heartfelt ballards to powerful contemporary arrangements, the choir's performances inspire audiences, whilst offering its members a sense of belonging and support. With every performance reflecting the courage, camaraderie, and the unique bond shared by military families. 

Talent in the Ranks
Talent in the Ranks, is the Arboretum’s own creative development programme for members of the Armed Forces community. It supports serving personnel, veterans, and the family members of those who serve as they develop skills in songwriting, poetry, and singing. Individual performances from the programme participants will showcase the voices, stories and fabulous talent found across the Armed Forces community. 

 

Sunday 

The Bond Street Singers 
Expect an uplifting performance of soulful house classics from the wonderful Bond Street Singers, an elite vocal ensemble shaped by legendry DJ Jim ‘Shaft’ Ryan and Shereece Storrod Artistic Director of Black Voices. The voices of both seasoned performers and emerging young talent add to the rich harmonies of the group who share an exciting mix of pieces, giving every vocalist the opportunity to shine. 

Second City Sound 
Birmingham’s only all-ladies close harmony chorus, Second City Sound deliver their performances unaccompanied in a rich four-part harmony. Beyond sharing their uplifting music, the choir are all about fun, friendship, and the feel-good benefits of singing together. 

Sampad 
Sampad champions and celebrates South Asian arts and heritage across the Midlands, the UK and internationally. Their ambitious world-class artistic programmes connect people, break down barriers, and amplify unheard voices, to share stories that matter. Musicians taking to the stage at the Arboretum will include Shin DCS and Priti Kaur, accompanied by Sagar Jilka on keyboard, as well as Dal Singh, known as Tabla Jedi, whose work is deeply rooted in community and connection. Powerful spoken word will be shared by Bhavna Chaudhary, before India Island Academy close with a truly showstopping dance piece, a vibrant unforgettable finale.

Black Voices
One of Europe’s most accomplished female a cappella ensembles, Black Voices are celebrated for their rich harmonies and powerful storytelling rooted in the Black oral tradition. Since their founding in 1987 by Sandra Francis and Carol Pemberton MBE, their distinct sound has filled venues across the world, and has seen them open for musical greats including Ray Charles and Nina Simone.  As Associate Partners of the National Memorial Arboretum since 2022 Black Voices have helped give a voice to the stories we share, we are delighted to be welcoming them to the stage once more. 

Lichfield Gospel Choir 
A joyful, 100-strong community choir known for their uplifting blend of African, gospel and soulful music. Led by Themba Mvula, with Gabriella Liandu, their associate music director, the choir sing everything from Nigerian lullabies to Primal Scream. They’ll be bringing a performance laced with infectious joy and community spirit at its heart. 

Pop Voices 
A welcoming community choir founded and led by Anya Small, Pop Voices unites its members through the joy of singing. The ensemble will be bringing a performance inspired by their ethos ‘Big Heart, Big Sound’ when they take to the stage at the Arboretum.