THE Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas swaps war-torn Afghanistan for Swindon tonight (Saturday).

The band of the elite Nepalese fighting regiment comes to town after last playing at a Kabul United versus security forces football match.

They are the guests of the Swindon Male Voice Choir the town's award-winning singing group. They perform tonight to a sell-out audience at the Wyvern Theatre in the choir's annual concert.

In Afghanistan, the Gurkhas performed in full battle dress and were armed at all times. But tonight the 34-strong band will be in their number one dress uniform, and rather less wary of surprise attack.

Choir spokesman Gareth Jenkins said: "It is the third time we have performed with them but the first time in Swindon.

"They are a wonderful bunch of guys, you couldn't meet a more polite bunch of people.

"The tickets for this year's show sold out particularly early there seems to be a lot of interest in the Gurkhas."

The Folkestone-based Gurkhas band spent two weeks in Afghanistan last month.

Among their duties was a performance at a football match between Kabul United and soldiers from eight European countries. The final score was 3-1 to the security forces team.

Band spokesman Capt Neil Morgan said: "The Swindon lads are a very professional bunch. From a musical point of view it's brilliant working with them and it is good fun as well."