17 incredible pictures of military bands throughout history

At the centre of some of the world's biggest events, the humble military band has been providing the soundtrack throughout history. Here are some stunning pictures of them in action.

1. Alexandra Palace, London, 1937

Wearing military uniform and peaked cap a small boy stands on a large stone urn as he conducts during Brass Band Day at Alexandra Palace, north London. Photo: Getty
2. British band, Cologne, 1925

A British military band and troops marching through the snow in the streets of Cologne, shortly before the evacuation of the city. Photo: Getty
3. Serbia, 1909

A military band ready to lead the Serbian Army into battle. Photo: Getty
4. Celebrating England's World Cup win, 1966

A military band march onto the pitch at Wembley Stadium to help the team celebrate England's victory in the 1966 World Cup final, 30th July 1966. Photo: Getty
5. The Delhi Military Band, 1961

The Delhi Military Band march and play. Photo: Getty
6. An Italian band in London, 1918

A crowd line the pavements to see an Italian military band march through the streets of London. Photo: Getty
7. Bolshevik uprising, 1917

A crowd gathers with band and banners outside the Council hall in Kouna Lutherania, during the uprising of Bolsheviks. Photo: Getty
8. Manchester, 1890

Crowds in Market Street, Manchester, where a military brass band is parading. Photo: Getty
9. Grenadier Guards, 1860

Drummers of the 3rd Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, 1860. Photo: Getty
10. French Regiment band, 1910

The military band of the French regiment of the Chasseurs d'Aj Blidah. Photo: Getty
11. Marching through Aldershot, 1912

A military band leads the march at the County of London Territorials Camp at Aldershot, Hampshire. Photo: Getty
12. Sandhurst band, 1960

Musicians from the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall playing at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Berkshire. Photo: Getty
13. Turkish military band, 1922

A Turkish military band playing at Smyrna, now Izmir, in Turkey, September 1922. Photo: Getty
14. A neutral concert, 1914

German and Russian troops in a neutral area during a concert by a German military band. Photo: Getty
15. The Guards, Westminster, 1932

The Guards from their depot at Wallington Barracks on their way to Salisbury Plain for manoeuvres. They cross the Thames near Westminster. Photo: Getty
16. Regimental band, Duppel, 1864

The regimental band and men of the 35th Infantry Regiment in an advanced position at Duppel, during the war between Prussia (allied with Austria) and Denmark. Photo: Getty
17. Belgian band in London, 1918

A Belgian military band in London carrying their instruments in cases. Photo: Getty