Christchurch And District Band, La Nova Singers, Highcliffe Charity Players, Priory School Children, David Gillard MBE

A spectacular evening is in store at the Regent when the Christchurch Festival of Remembrance & Celebration – For Queen and Country - will be back live on stage at the Regent with a parade, music, film, remembrance and topped off with a patriotic Grand Finale of flag waving and singing.

The Festival will begin with a Parade of Veterans from past and current conflicts with their Standards and joined by local Cadet Organisations. The Festival will be presented by the Christchurch and District Band featuring La Nova Singers, Highcliffe Charity Players, Priory School children and the David Gillard MBE live on stage as Winston Churchill

There will be a Raffle in the interval together with Service Charity stands in the foyer, including: Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, Royal Air Force Association and SAMA. The proceeds of the Raffle will go to The Not Forgotten Association Tri Service Charity - supporting Veterans of recent conflicts, which was founded just after WWI.

The Christchurch & District Band will be performing classic and rousing marches such as: The Dambusters, On the Square, Standard of St George, Boys of the Old Brigade, and the Normandy Veterans March.

Meanwhile, Highcliffe Charity Players will be performing some of the most memorable songs of the Second World War and more as they entertain the audience with toe-tapping and patriotic songs that will get everyone singing along and bringing a warm glow to the heart.

La Nova Singers are the premiere local female vocal ensemble and are renowned for their distinctive Bel Canto sound and sparkling stage presence. Under the direction of their soprano and singing teacher, Michelle Nova, the group will be performing an eclectic repertoire of classical, sacred, operatic and modern choral music.

The Christchurch Festival of Remembrance & Celebration – For Queen & Country, will be proud to welcome the children of primary school age from the Priory School, who will be singing some classic songs such as We’ll Meet Again and Make Me A Channel Of Your Peace.

Compere for the evening will be David Gillard MBE who will be appearing as Britain’s greatest wartime leader, Winston Churchill. This is a role that David is making his very own, having first played the part in Highcliffe Charity Players’ production of Happy as a Sandbag in 2008. He has since given the “This was their Finest Hour” speech at countless Veteran Day Parades, Swing Band Concerts and WWII events throughout Hampshire and Dorset.