The Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers are set to perform at various venues across the Isle of Wight later this month to raise funds and awareness for the charity ‘Combat Stress’.
As well as performing on the Wightlink Portsmouth-Fishbourne ferry and in St James’ Square, Newport, the British Army band will take part in the Ryde Children’s Carnival by leading the procession through the streets on Wednesday 30th August.
The day has been arranged by Sgt Kirk Fennell, who left the Isle of Wight at the tender age of just 16 to join the British Army as a musician. After serving 25 years he retired in 2012 having been through the Gulf War in 1991 and the Iraq War in 2003, both in medical support roles. He joined the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Army Reserve Band after retiring from active duty.
Kirk says that many colleagues, some Islanders themselves, suffered as a result of serving in armed conflict with conditions as such PTSD, depression and other mental illness. Kirk’s colleagues sought help from a charity called Combat Stress, who provided care and support on the road to recovery.
As a way of thanks and to raise awareness of the charity to Island veterans who may be suffering in silence, the retired Sergeant has arranged for the top-level band to perform on the Isle of Wight.
The day will begin at 09:00 with a 20 minute concert on the Portsmouth to Fishbourne ferry, followed by a march off the deck into the Fishbourne terminal.
From around 11:00 a concert will be held in St James’ Square, Newport before heading to Ryde’s Minghella Square for around 13:30.
At 15:00 the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers will end their way on the Island by leading the Ryde Children’s Carnival.
