PASSERS-BY were left stunned this afternoon after a military marching band appeared from nowhere and took over Broad Street.

Army Reserve band the Waterloo Band and Bugles of the Rifles, based in Abingdon performed a ‘Flash Mob’ as they appeared from all corners of the street.

At 2pm Buglers positioned atop of Balliol College began playing and the band members emerged from inside the college and various shops on the other side of the road.

The band of the 7th Battalion the Rifles then treated observers to a ten-minute performance.

Maria Garcia, 22, visiting Oxford for the day, was caught by surprise as the marching band performed in the street.

“It was a big surprise – seeing this marvellous band just appear, it’s the first time I’ve seen something like that and it was great.

Ken Hamp, 84, from Radley saw the Oxford Mail’s tip off about the performance and readied himself for the display.

He said: “I read in the Oxford Mail there would be a performance of some kind but I wasn’t entirely sure what was going to happen.

“They suddenly appeared and it was very impressive.

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“I like listening to military bands and also the regimentation of soldiers who can perform in that way is impressive and I feel very proud that we can still produce bands of that quality and I think it’s something we all ought to treasure.”

Band member Sjt Jackie Mann, who organised the Flash Mob said: “It was fantastic – it’s taken us about five months to plan it but it’s definitely been worth it.

“To be honest it was hilarious – I saw so many stunned, shocked faces The trumpeter, who has been with the band for 27 years added: “The aim was to raise the profile of the band and buglers and if anyone who saw us was inspired we would welcome them to join us.”