Today
The current ceremonial wardrobe issued to RAF Musicians remains largely that designed in the 1970’s.
On Parade
The main Parade Ceremonial Dress, modelled below by Cpl Robbins, is common to all RAF Bands with the exception that all the Bands have their own gold shoulder name flashes. Headdress is the Ceremonial Cap.
The uniform is worn with ankle length George Boots which are still hand-polished or ‘bulled’ to a high gloss using the traditional ‘spit and polish’.
While overseas the white version of the parade uniform is worn with shoes and the ceremonial Cap as pictured below. The male version is modelled by Cpl Parsons and the female by Sgt Lapish. The tropical version is used for concerts as well as parades.
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During inclement weather the Bands wear two distinct kinds of water-proof gear. In the summer months a cape is worn but during the winter a traditional Great Coat familiar to servicemen since before the First World War is used.
On Stage
In 1998 the Concert Dress was issued. Based on the traditional ‘Formal Mess Dress’ it mirrors the Parade uniform in decorations and cloth, while featuring the distinctive cut of the mess dress. No shoulder flashes are worn with the concert dress, the only variation being the skirt for ladies and trousers with blue and gold stripe for the gentlemen as seen below modelled by SAC McPherson and Sgt Scott.
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Right: Click here for a larger image
