Former Royal Marines from across the UK and Europe performed to a sell-out audience on Sunday for the All Stars Band 20th anniversary charity concert.

There were 126 musicians on stage at the Winter Gardens, Margate, and David Cole was conducting for the second time.

Former warrant officer bandsman Stephen Misson, publicity officer for All Stars, said: “The band’s motto is ‘former members of the Royal Marines Band Service giving something back’.

New members

“Therefore, as one who organises the occasion and plays in the band, it is really satisfying to see such a huge band and a capacity audience all enjoying themselves so much, while knowing that we are doing so much good for others not quite so fortunate.

“We are all already looking forward to repeating the experience in 2010! Seven new members joined this year’ annual concert and all remarked upon how much they enjoyed the experience and would be returning next year.”

The main charity still remains the Royal Marines Band Benevolent Fund, which this year received £3,000. Deal Memorial Bandstand had a cheque for £1,000.

Members of the band are invited to suggest good causes for donations and so far a total of £1,159,697 has been raised.

This year, 1,345 people packed the Winter Gardens for the performance and David Cole presented an alto saxophone to Aaron Nolan, whose father Chris, was killed in the IRA attack on the barracks in 1989.

Mr Misson added: “Aaron had a clarinet which was stolen when he was at school, following which he lost heart in music.

“Now he wants to start playing again so we have given him this instrument and he will be given free lessons by Bill McConnell, one of our members.

“And David Cole has invited him to play with us next year.”