Be sure to put aside some time over the first weekend in August to get along to one of three fundraising concerts taking place in Hereford, Builth Wells and Hay-on-Wye.

The Surrey Police Band, under the direction of former Army musician Graham Atterbury, is making a welcome return to the area for the first time since 2021, when they performed to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion.

This year, they will be joined by singers and dancers to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the ensuing liberation of the occupied countries of Europe, during which many thousands of service men and women, and civilians, paid the ultimate sacrifice.

One of these civilians was Violette Szabo, who, as an SOE agent, went into France on June 7 1944 on her second mission, but was captured three days later. She, along with two other SOE agents, Denise Block and Lilian Rolfe, was executed in early 1945.

Violette, as a child, had a close link with the area and her daughter Tania has lived near Builth Wells for many years. Tania will pay her own tribute to her mother.

With a 1940s vibe, you will enjoy many favourites of the time and be entertained by, amongst others, the Vintage Class Singers, professional dancers Steve and Sue Mace, and the wonderful young soprano Lauren Elizabeth Williams, of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.

Organisers are also looking forward to welcoming, as guests, Pensioners of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, Royal British Legion and Association Standard Bearers, the “Queen Mum” and of course, “Winston Churchill”.

You can get along to these concerts at 2pm on: Friday, August 2 at St Martin’s Church, Ross Road, Hereford (in aid of SSAFA) Saturday, August 3 at the Strand Hall, Builth Wells (in aid of Builth Wells Community Support) and Sunday, August 4 at St Mary’s Church, St Mary’s Road, Hay-on-Wye (in aid of and to celebrate 30 years of Hay Dial-a-Ride)

All tickets are £10 and may be purchased on the day at the venue.

Tickets for the concert in Builth Wells can also be purchased in advance from Builth Wells Community Support, tel: 01982 553004 or email [email protected]