Mixed emotions will be felt by the new Royal Marines' principal director of music as he makes his debut in this year's memorial concert.

Lt Col Jon Ridley will conduct the Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) during the annual Marines on the Green show later today.

He takes over from Lt Col Nick Grace who appeared before the crowds in Walmer nine times during his 35-year career in the band service. He retired last year.

It will be an emotional return to the town for the musician who was training at the Royal Marines School of Music in Deal on September 22, 1989 - the day of the IRA bombing.

The rousing concert and service of re-dedication, which is open to all, will remember the 11 musicians who were killed.

Chairman of The Deal Memorial Bandstand Trust, John Perkins, said: "This year is a really important year because there's a new Principal Director of Music who appears with the band for the first time.

"Lt Col Jon Ridley was a boy in training here in Deal at the time of the bombing. He was one of the first in the vicinity as he was practising on the parade ground as the bomb went off.

"We welcome him to take up this post as he will be with us for some years."

Lt Col Ridley was 17 at the time of the bombing.

He said: "I have many great memories from my time here, both inside the barracks of the School of Music as well as in the wider community environment.

"There is one day during my training that will stay with me forever though - the day that the IRA murdered 11 members of the band service with its callous attack.

"My feelings from that day are naturally wide-ranging and are shared with so many others who were present.

"One of the most insightful things that happened that day however, demonstrated to me the enormous sense of spirit and love that this town has for the band service, as well as the wider Royal Marines."

Hours after the attack, Lt Col Ridley remembers being told to queue outside the houses in Canada Road in order to call home and inform his family of his safety.

He said: "I duly waited in line, still in a sense of shock, until my turn came.

"I called my mother, who broke down upon hearing my voice. I couldn't really speak after that and became very emotional myself.

"The lady whose phone it was gave me the biggest and warmest hug possible. This stranger made me feel that everything would be all right, that decency all around us and that human spirit would prevail.

"All in a hug - but a very important hug that I have never forgotten.

"Returning now, I can honestly say that I still feel that hug, that wonderful sense of community that was so affectionately displayed at the time, in the following weeks, and in the many years since.

"The way that this memorial service and concert has become such a major event for the town and its people is a demonstration of this."

The concert begins at 2.30pm.

It is sponsored by The Sergeants' Mess Pantomime, Mr Peter Young, Mrs Margaret McMillan, Perry's of Dover and Mr and Mrs G.Gillo.