Spectacular fundraising event at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in support of the new Royal Marines Museum
On Thursday 18th and Friday 19th July 2024 the National Museum of the Royal Navy will be offering visitors a unique opportunity to visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard after hours. There will be two evenings of gripping performances by the Royal Marines Band, the Military Wives Choir and the Royal Marines Commando Display Team. This two-night series of concerts is staged to support fundraising for a new Royal Marines Museum due to open at the Dockyard in Summer 2026.
Taking place between 7pm and 9pm, the concerts have something for the whole family. Kicking off the evening is a stirring performance from the Military Wives Choir, before a change of pace sure to entertain younger visitors as the Royal Marines Commando Display team wow with their agility and skill. Following this, the second part of the evening unfolds with the grandeur of the Royal Marines Beating Retreat Performance.
All proceeds from the event are supporting the new Royal Marines Experience Museum in Boathouse 6, currently used as the Action Stations attraction. It was announced in May this year that Exhibition designers are being sought to turn the Grade II* listed building into a new home for the rich and exciting history of the Royal Marines. The museum will put the ethos of the Royal Marines front and centre, and allow visitors to learn about the past and present of this elite fighting force. It is due to open at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in Summer 2026.
Matthew Sheldon, Interim Director General of the National Museum of the Royal Navy said “This promises to be a fabulous evening with the Royal Marines Band leading the programme in such a historic and evocative setting – we’ll literally be in the shadow of HMS Victory. It’s great to welcome the Band for an event raising money for something close both to their hearts and ours.”
Tickets for ‘An Evening with the Royal Marines Band and Friends’ cost £35 for a standard ticket and £50 for a gold ticket. While all tickets offer a chance to enjoy the legendary Royal Marines Band, a gold ticket offers additional perks. These include a drinks reception prior to the event with one free drink, front row seats, a chance to meet one of the museum’s curators and more. Tickets can be purchased on the website.
Top image: The Royal Marines Band on a previous visit to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard Credit The Royal Marines Band