The cadets of 31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron, Air Training Corps (ATC) got National Cadet Week off to a great start by winning a prestigious music competition.
The Lady Mayor’s Cadet Music Competition took place in the historic setting of the City of London’s Guildhall and pitched cadets from the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force and Air Training Corps against each other on Sunday 4 October. This year the ATC was proudly represented by 31 (Tower Hamlets) Sqn, taking the top prize for Best Band.
Flt Lt Labib Khan, Officer Commanding 31 (Tower Hamlets) Sqn said, “This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication, commitment and hard work of our cadets. A massive well done to every cadet who has put in countless hours of rehearsals and training to reach this standard. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Flight Sergeant Darrell Kovac and Civilian Instructor Sophie Court for the monumental amount of time, effort and dedication they have put into developing and supporting the band. Their commitment has played a huge part in the success we have achieved.”
This level of competition would normally be attended by the Regional Band. However they were not available for the event, so the Tower Hamlets cadets stepped-in fresh from their victory at London Wing’s Field Day. They proved to be more than adequate replacements with the Tower Hamlets Band winning the Best Band Trophy, the same trophy the Regional Band won last year. In addition, Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) Amelia Court won the trophy for Best Drum Major. As a result, the ATC won two of the three trophies open to them. CWO Amelia explained her role within the band, including training the bell-lyre players and added, “I am so proud of our band for winning today"
"My journey as Drum Major began in September 2023, while I was a Corporal. After two months of intensive training, I had the honour of leading my first Remembrance Parade. Since then, I have continued to develop my skills, confidence, discipline, and leadership. In 2025, I was given the opportunity to lead the Lady Mayor's Parade, which was a particularly proud moment in my journey. To now have won the Lady Mayor’s Competition in 2026 is an achievement that means a great deal to me and represents how far I have come since first taking on the role.
"This success is a reflection of the effort and dedication of everyone involved. I am extremely proud to represent 31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron and to be part of such an exceptional band, and I look forward to continuing to uphold the standards and traditions of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets".
The organisers, Greater London's Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association, provided a lunch for all participants in the Guildhall’s Great Hall that dates back to 1411.
Also in attendance was London and South East Region’s (LaSER) Commandant, Group Captain Kevin Walton and Wing Commander Darren Hart, Senior Staff Officer in LaSER who added “Well done [31], it was a pleasure and a privilege to be with you”.
The chief judge was Alderman Dr Sir Andrew Parmley who founded the competition in 2017. He is no stranger to Air Cadet Music as he tutored a cadet and played the organ during RAF Air Cadets’ Festival of Music held at Lincoln Cathedral in 2023.