Salute the Services | Anzac Brass Concert
Join Anzac Brass - a 32 member brass ensemble made up of players from Christchurch, New Zealand, and around the Commonwealth - for a commemorative concert for ANZAC Day.
The Gallipoli Campaign
The Gallipoli Campaign, fought between April 1915 and January 1916 during World War I, commenced on 25 April a date now commemorated as ANZAC Day. It was a Allied attempt to secure a sea route to Russia by capturing the Ottoman Empire's Dardanelles Strait and Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The campaign involved many Australian, and New Zealand (ANZAC) forces, who landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula in an effort to force the Ottomans out of the war. Despite initial optimism, the operation quickly bogged down into a bloody stalemate. The campaign resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, and the Allies ultimately withdrew. The Gallipoli Campaign remains a defining moment in the history of Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand, particularly in terms of national identity and remembrance. ANZAC Day is a public holiday and is commemorated each year in both countries. It has more significance that Remembrance Day
Christchurch Cathedral commemorating
The first commemorative service was held in Christchurch Cathedral on 25 April 1916, the first anniversary of the campaign’s launch. Every year since there has been both a dawn service at the City’s War Memorial beside the Cathedral and a Civic Citizens’ Service in the Cathedral. Brass bands have been a significant part of these services. After the devastating Christchurch earthquakes in 2011 which severely damaged the Cathedral, commemorations have continued in the Transitional “Cardboard” Cathedral.
ANZAC Day is also commemorated in the UK. There is an annual service at Westminster Abbey and wreath-laying at the Cenotaph. There are also services in other parts of the country, notably on the south coast around Weymouth. It is from here that the ships sailed to Gallipoli and brought the wounded back. Many of those are buried in cemeteries in the area, one of the most famous being Brockenhurst.
110th Anniversary 2025
ANZAC Brass has been formed from players from Christchurch and around the Commonwealth for the 110th commemorations. The band, made up of 32 members, will travel to the UK to play at the Weymouth commemorations on ANZAC Day. They will also attend a poppy-laying ceremony at Brockenhurst Cemetery and give concerts at Christchurch Priory, Worcester, Birmingham and Blackburn Cathedrals.
