A cloud covered sky and sprinkles of rain did not deter the thousands who attended the 26th annual Royal Marines concert on Walmer Green today.

The event, as always, was a spectacle and a testament to the hard work of the Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust who organise it.

It was a chance for residents and visitors to remember the 11 Royal Marines musicians who were tragically killed by the IRA in Deal in September 1989.

Before the The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth appeared, the Victory Wartime Band, who were invited back for the third consecutive year, warmed up the crowd.

They gave their rendition of Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree before four spitfires flew overhead.

They also performed everybody’s favourite The White Cliffs of Dover.

The Royal Band, conducted by Lt Col Nick Grace as well as Director of Music, Captain Daryl Powell, appeared on the bandstand shortly after 2pm.

There was a small delay due to a blue Fiat 500 which was parked on The Strand, which by the end of the concert had still not been moved.

Despite this, the musicians wowed the audience with a number of tracks, including a few well known Disney songs from Beauty and the Beast and Frozen.

Many of the musicians performed solos. Musician Daniel Bennett, on flute, made his Deal Bandstand solo debut with Carmen Fantasie. He was commended for her sterling performance in such windy conditions and with his sheets of music flying away.

Band Corporal Mike Smith and musician Joe Kemp followed with an impressive and fast paced xylophone duet.

Completing the first half of the concert, the Corps of the Drums were introduced. They performed Victory in Europe and Invictus among others.

After the interval, there was a heartfelt tribute to the First World War Battle of Gallipoli. During this, Captain Daryl Powell read a poem written by an Australian soldier.

The Green then fell silent for the rededication service which was conducted by Revd Seth Cooper, chaplain to the bandstand.

The crowd joined together to say prayers and sing hymns in memory of those who were killed.

Thousands watched as family members and friends of the 11 men laid wreaths.

Before the finale, Lt Col Nick Grace thanked the audience.

He said: “You have been a superb audience and we have been overwhelmed by your appearance today. You have come out to support this bandstand in your droves. It is so important that you remember these 11 men through this bandstand and that you look after it.”

A Life On The Ocean Wave closed the show.

The date of next year’s concert has been confirmed as Sunday, July 10.

The concert was attended by several top rank Royal Marines including Deputy Commandant General Royal Marines Brigadier Richard Spencer. For exclusive quotes, pictures and more, pick up this week’s East Kent Mercury, out on Thursday.