Jedforest Instrumental’s musical welcome for King Charles

Jedforest Instrumental Band had the distinct honour of performing for His Majesty King Charles III during his official visit to the band’s hometown of Jedburgh last week. A vibrant crowd gathered as the King experienced several of the town's historic traditions and visited local artisan traders and businesses as part of the Royal Family’s annual Holyrood Week.

The band was delighted to welcome His Majesty, entertaining both the monarch and the onlookers with an uplifting selection of classic Scottish brass arrangements alongside well-known contemporary pop favourites.

During the event, King Charles took the time to speak directly with the band members. In a light hearted moment, His Majesty shared that he had briefly learned to play the trumpet and was made to play on the march. After that he gave up the trumpet and learned the cello instead!

The prestigious royal visit beautifully coincided with the official reopening of the band’s Bandstand and Park. Originally opened by the King’s sister, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, in 2006, the structure had suffered severe storm damage a few years prior.

The restoration was made possible by a £19,999 grant awarded last December by the National Lottery Awards for All (South of Scotland) Fund. The critical roof replacement and redecoration was completed just in time to welcome King Charles who was in Jedburgh as part of a week of official visits and engagements in Scotland during Holyrood Week.