Soldiers of the Jamaica Defence Force and members of the combined military band march to Buckingham Palace to carry out guard duties. - Contributed

LONDON:

England’s capital is set to come alive with the sounds of Jamaica this summer, when the unmistakable sound and look of the military bands of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) fill the air.

A combined Jamaica Military and Jamaica Regiment band is now in the United Kingdom as part of the annual military exchange, Calypso Hop.

They arrived at the start of July and support the JDF contingent engaging in ceremonial duties, including the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace which started last Tuesday.

The combined band is also due to make several appearances in and around central London, as they prepare to commemorate two of Jamaica’s most significant dates, Emancipation Day on August 1, and Independence Day on August 6.

The 34-strong band led by its Director of Music Major Roy Wade is particularly striking, not only for their distinctive music, but also for the highly unusual ‘Zouave’ uniforms worn by the Jamaica Military Band (JMB) and the full-dress scarlet tunic worn by the Jamaica Regiment Band.