Press Release

Established by former Royal Air Force musician Malcolm Goodman MBE at RAF Cranwell in 2004 and run on an entirely voluntary basis with the charity trustees from Newark-on-Trent, the Royal Air Force Music Charitable Trust is proud to announce an ambitious fundraising concert tour for 2026. 

For over a century, RAF music has played a vital part in ceremonial occasions, national commemorations, and public events, serving as a symbol of professionalism, service, and national pride. Through this tour, the Trust aims not only to raise essential funds, but also to deepen public understanding of the cultural and historical significance of RAF music.

The 2026 programme of music will feature music from the traditional RAF band repertoire to film scores and popular classics, reflecting the professionalism, versatility and rich history of RAF music, whilst also hopefully inspiring a new audience to experience the musical excellence of some of the finest military musicians in the country.

The tour will start with a special big band concert on 18 April in the Lecture Theatre Newark Academy, featuring Royal Air Force Swing Wing with guest jazz trumpet soloist Nathan Bray – well known for his playing with Ronnie Scott’s Big Band and The Benny Goodman Show.

On Saturday 16 May the charity will present a spectacular concert in Lincoln Cathedral performed by the Band of the Royal Air Force College with compere Melvyn Prior, featuring music from the pen of world-renowned composer John Williams, including film favourites such as Star Wars and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as well as some of his other well-known compositions for historic events. This will indeed be a unique musical occasion for the cathedral audience. 

Concerts then follow with the Central Band of the RAF and the Band of the RAF College in Weston super Mare (Playhouse Theatre), Epsom (Playhouse), Newark (Palace Theatre) and Doncaster (Cast). The 2026 tour will then end with another RAF Swing Wing big band concert at the Terry O’Toole Theatre in Lincoln on Friday 16 October.

Malcolm Goodman says, “Although possibly the smallest of the RAF charities, I am immensely proud that as a voluntary organisation the RAF Music Charitable Trust plays a vital role in ensuring RAF music continues to support the welfare fundraising of more than 20 Service charities. Join us for an unforgettable musical journey celebrating the power of music, whilst also raising funds to support the wider Armed Forces Community!”

For tickets and further information please visit the website at www.rafconcerts.uk