The Barmy Army trumpeter has been winding up the Aussies by tooting his instrument on top of their famous Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark a year until the next Ashes series. Simon Finch, the orchestrator of England cricket fans’ songs, Jetted to Oz and then climbed the iconic, 440ft tourist attraction to stoke up the famous rivalry.

Ben Stokes and Co. will do battle with the old enemy Down Under next winter. The Ashes will kick off on 21 November 2025 in Perth followed by Tests in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.

Tourism Australia is expecting to welcome over 40,000 visitors for The Ashes 2025-2026. England cricket fans who want to plan their trip can visit Australia.com.

Simon said: “When I think of the ‘Ashes’ in Australia, it’s gotta be the incredible atmosphere in the grounds that really stands out. “For the past four years, I’ve been so fortunate to have travelled to cricket matches around the world, but the ‘Ashes’? That’s the big one, the absolute pinnacle! I can’t wait to soak up that historic rivalry in person,” he continued.

“Let’s be honest, a bit of good-natured banter between the Brits and Aussies is a huge part of the fun, so we’re cranking it up early and getting things started by testing out the Barmy Army anthems at some of Australia’s iconic landmarks.

“Game on!” Trumpeter Simon, known affectionately as ‘Finchy’, has always been a real hit among English cricket fans with catchy tunes and cheerful chants.

After the Sydney Harbour Bridge, he went on to play some of his most loved cricket tunes across the country including the Adelaide Oval – the place where the Barmy Army was formed 30 years ago. As well as Brisbane’s Story Bridge and to stop for a pint at the new Howard Smith Wharves nearby.

The trumpeter climbed a 440ft bridge to play

The trumpeter climbed a 440ft bridge to play ( 

Image:

Jam Press)

Simon fell in love with cricket while watching the 1989 Ashes and then took the reigns as the trumpeting mascot of the Barmy Army in 2019. His trumpeting chops go beyond the cricket pitch, having appeared in the famous wedding scene in Love Actually, as well as playing the trumpet in Kanye West’s massive hit All of the Lights.

Tourism Australia invited him Down Under, tempting him to go from playing for Beyonce and Blur to bringing the sounds to Australia to mark one year until The Ashes return. Andrew Boxall, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe said: “The camaraderie between the UK and Australia really is seen at its best on the sporting field.

“Making major sporting events like The Ashes a big opportunity for us at Tourism Australia. “As loyal English fans head to Australia to cheer on their country to show them the best of Australia off the field as well.

“Next year we also have the Lions Rugby Tour heading to Australia, with further major sporting events almost every year until the Brisbane Olympic in 2032. We hope British travellers don’t stay in their crease and take the opportunity to head Down Under to experience The Ashes and more and to see what Australia has to offer as a holiday destination.”