Gurkha Band puts on stunning shows for our Residential Homes

The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas has travelled across Nepal to put on spectacular performances for Gurkha veterans and widows at our Residential Homes in Kaski and Dharan.

On both occasions, the Gurkha band dazzled crowds with classic military tunes and a vibrant selection of Western and Nepali music.

“The Kaski residents had a fantastic time,” said Madan, a member of our staff. “Everyone was thrilled with the catchy tunes performed by the band, which also played phenomenal Nepali melodies. Our profound gratitude goes out to all the officers in the band.”

In Dharan, our residents couldn’t help but get up and dance once the band began to play ‘Malai Nasodha,’ a Nepali classic.

The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas is a British military band based in Kent. It supports the British Army and the Brigade of Gurkhas in ceremonial settings, passing out parades, concerts and many other musical support tasks.

The Band was founded in November 1859 as part of an Indian Army Gurkha Regiment called the Sirmoor Rifle Regiment. It had 16 Bandsmen and one Naik (a leader) and soon became a part of Regimental life, playing for parades, polo matches, dinners and troop entertainment at the Regimental base at Dehra Dun, North East of Dehli. In the early days the Band travelled with the Regiment to other areas of India, Malta, Cyprus and Afghanistan. In May 1951 Captain J P C Bailey MBE was appointed as the first Director of Music. Since then the Band has delighted crowds at many performances with their fast and slick marching displays, lively concert music, ethnic Nepali folk tunes and colourful traditional dances.

Today, musicians are recruited into the Band after their basic military training. Initial musical instruction then commences, first under the supervision of the Director of Music then after approximately four years, at the Royal Military School of Music.

If you’re interested in hearing the Gurkha band live, they often perform concerts in aid of The Gurkha Welfare Trust – keep an eye on our website for these fantastic shows!