A BAND formed in memory of a young Flintshire man who died tragically are playing a charity concert tomorrow night (Friday, May 9). 

Ben Thomas, 24, was found dead at the HMS Raleigh training base in Cornwall, in January 2023 a week after fulfilling his dream of joining the Navy.

His mother and North Wales Senedd Member, Carolyn Thomas, described him as an "amazing" and "kind" man. 

Ben was a lover of music, and was a keen player of the trombone. In his memory, the BT Big Band has been created by Ben's friends, members of the Royal Buckley Town Band and is conducted by his previous high school music teacher, Andrew Searson. 

On Friday, they are playing their latest charity concert at St Cynfarch's Church in Hope at 7pm. The event is being held in aid of charities close to Ben's heart, including Hope House Hospice and the Anthem music charity. Tickets are priced at £5 pre-booked, and £7 on the door. 

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Carolyn Thomas said: "It would have been Ben's birthday on May 17, so it will be a very difficult week for us. 

"The BT Big Band are about carrying his positivity and hope, raising money for charity, and I want to support them in any way possible. They are very entertaining and play a fantastic varied repertoire of uplifting music. The audience always come away feeling happy and entertained, saying how good they are.

"Ben loved helping, he was very caring and was brilliant musician, rising through the county and school music service. He made many friends in various bands and it is some of them who have formed the band in his memory. He played trombone but also taught himself piano and sang, we miss his music in the house."