Tredegar to perform at Parliament
Tredegar will become first band to perform in the State Rooms of The Speaker of the House of Commons, in the heart of Parliament as part of the NHS 70th anniversary celebrations
Their performance will take place on Thursday 5th July in front of an audience of leading parliamentarians and invited guests and forms part of Parliament’s official celebration of the 70th anniversary of the creation of the National Health Service – the brainchild of the Labour politician Aneurin Bevan.
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Chair of the Bevan Society and event organiser stated, “For me, as a biographer of Aneurin Bevan, it is a huge privilege to be marking this historic milestone. Bevan’s creation of the NHS, 70 years ago, signaled the foundation of the modern welfare state that is relied upon by so many offering healthcare, free at the point of delivery. It has, undoubtedly, improved the lives of people across the nation and I look forward to welcoming Tredegar Band on the 5th July to celebrate this event”.
Commenting on the prestigious event, Tredegar MD Ian Porthouse said, “It’s a remarkable honour for the band. The historic connection between the town, its people and the NHS remains so strong to this day, and we’re delighted to play our part in what is sure to be an event that will have worldwide resonance.”
The band will premiere a new work from composer Tom Davoren who stated, “It’s an honour for me to be asked to compose a work that reflects on Aneurin’s Bevan’s great achievement.” IN keeping with the core values of the NHS the work will be made available free of charge to any band wishing to perform it in the future.
Guy Collis of the UNISON trade union who has been instrumental in facilitating Tredegar's performance commented, “The whole of the trade union movement has a collective pride in the creation of the NHS and we are proud to be able to play our part in helping Tredegar Band come to London to represent their town and its people in such an important occasion and at such a fitting venue.”
