‘I cried!’ Proposal at Eastbourne Bandstand on Christmas Day

Robert Puttick went down on one knee during the annual festive concert on the morning of December 25 – and Rebecca Gander said yes.

Rebecca told the Herald she wasn’t expecting it at all, “It was surprising, quite emotional really!”

The 22-year-old dairy farmer said the conductor paused the concert and asked if there were any spare brass players – specifically cornet players – in the audience.

Rebecca, who plays the cornet and is a member of Wealden Brass Band, said, “They all looked at me. They were like ‘we need help with this song’ and called me up.

“They asked who I was with today. They called my other half up on stage and gave him the mic.”

Rebecca, who has been with 21-year-old Robert, a farm contractor, for four years said, “He said ‘I have wanted to ask this question for a while’.

“Then he got down on one knee and proposed. I cried.”

The whole crowd cheered for the happy couple, who are from Hailsham and Chiddingly.

Rebecca says they are planning an engagement party but are holding off the big day for a few years – and there will may be a farm theme.

Eastbourne Silver Band, which puts on the event each year, shared the good news on Facebook.

The post said, “Meet Robert, a true gentleman. This morning he proposed to Rebecca and, in the time-honoured way, he went on one knee on the bandstand, in front of over 4,000 people, and asked for her hand in marriage.

“Such a beautiful gesture and we wish them both a happy future.”

People were quick to congratulate the happy couple, with many sharing good wishes on social media.