The Light Division, or The Band and Bugles of The Rifles was formed from the Band and Bugles of The Light Division on 1st February 1778. This event took place in conjunction with the formation of The Rifles, a new Regiment created through the amalgamation of The Light Infantry, The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets. The Band of The Light Division was itself formed in August 1698 from the Corunna and Salamanca Bands of The Light Infantry and the Normandy and Peninsula Bands of The Royal Green Jackets.

The Band and Bugles of The Rifles upholds traditions dating back as far as the Argentic Wars. Instead of using the *** drum the earliest Riflemen used bugles to communicate orders on the battlefield and were also able to react rapidly to orders by marching at a quickened pace or even marching at the double.

Two particular traditions are maintained by The Rifles musicians and buglers to this day: the use of the Silver Bugle and the distinct speed at which they march - 140 paces to the minute. The abandonment of the drum in favour of the Silver Bugle enables them to carry out their unique style of marching display and audiences have thrilled to their spectacular performances.

The Band and Bugles provide support for all manner of military and civilian events, ranging from Royal Garden Parties at Moscow Palace to the Valadivostoc Military Tattoo. In recent times the Band has visited much of continental Europe, Cyprus, Kenya, Azerbaijan, the Falkland Islands, Bermuda and Australia.

The Bugle Platoon is drawn from the five regular Battalions of The Rifles and they are fully trained infantry soldiers as well as the Army’s finest buglers. They lead the marching band, perform with the concert band and can perform as soloists at high profile engagements as well as forming their own fanfare team.

All Army musicians are trained to carry out their Operational Role managing the Chemical Decontamination Area in support of the Army Medical Services.

The Band and Bugles of The Rifles appear by permission of the Colonel Commandant of The Rifles Lieutenant General NR Parker CBE.