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The Royal Marines Band presented their annual concert on the bandstand in
Walmer on Sunday 13 July.

By Sue Briggs - Chief Reporter East Kent Mercury

Thousands of people stood in silence on Walmer Green on Sunday to remember the 11 Royal Marines killed by the IRA in Deal.

The names of the men were read out at the Deal Memorial Bandstand, built in memory of the servicemen who died in the explosion at the School of Music in September, 1989.

Vicar of Walmer, the Rev Seth Cooper, slowly listed the 11 and led the prayers, talking about the importance of the reconciliation of nations.

Wreaths were laid at the bandstand and tears were shed during the performance of Elgar's Nimrod by the Band of the Royal Marines, Portsmouth.

Despite the sadness, the band's director of music Major Nick Grace lifted the spirits of the estimated crowd when he pledged to continue the promise made by the Royal Marines when the School of Music closed in 1996.

He said: "I will ensure we will be continue to come to Deal each year to the bandstand."

The comment prompted a huge cheer from the crowd, estimated at between 6,500 and 7,000.

Sunshine and blue skies guaranteed a huge turnout for the annual concert and Major Grace, on his first visit as conductor, told the audience they had been fantastic.

Traditional marches and music from shows and blockbuster films were packed into the performance and there were solos from a variety of Royal Marine musicians.

At the end of the concert A Life on the Ocean Wave brought the audience to its feet and there were two encores.

The afternoon ended in a party atmosphere, as people waved their programmes in the air and sang Land of Hope and Glory.

Deputy Mayor of Deal Cllr Tracy Wilton said: "I am very proud to have the Royal Marines here again.

"They have a long tradition with the town and it has been an excellent day for Deal."

Many of our ex colleagues attended the concert.

Next years concert will be the 20th anniversary and the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust committee are planning to make this an even more spectacular event.
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Music: 'Ballad sol minor for Piano' opus 24 - Edvard Hagerup Grieg (15 June 1843 - 4 September 1907) was a Norwegian composer and pianist who composed in the Romantic period.
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Photo's courtesy Stephen Misson
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Video edited by Laderzi.