RAF Voluntary Bands
RAF Voluntary Bands are voluntary military, brass or pipe bands that provide music for ceremonial and social occasions within the Royal Air Force, as well as local and national charities. In contrast to the RAF's professional musical bands, the bands are formed of volunteer musicians from RAF stations, other services and members of the local community.
RAF Voluntary Bands Association
Numerous bands were founded at the formation of the RAF on 1 April 1918. Several can trace their roots to Royal Naval Air Service and Royal Flying Corps volunteer musicians. The bands are centrally administered through the RAF Voluntary Band Association which, co-ordinates policy and activities and represents its members on those occasions when they are called upon to participate in major public events. Each of the current nine voluntary bands in the RAF are located on a geographical basis at stations throughout the United Kingdom and Cyprus:- RAF Akrotiri
- RAF Brize Norton
- RAF Cosford
- RAF Halton
- RAF Honington
- RAF Lossiemouth
- RAF St Athan
- RAF Waddington Voluntary Band
- RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band
RAF Pipe Bands Association
There are five voluntary RAF pipe bands spread across the UK: three in Scotland and two in England. These are administered through the RAF Pipe Bands Association These are currently located at:- RAF Halton
- RAF Kinloss
- RAF Leuchars
- RAF Lossiemouth
- RAF Waddington