London Band Week

The London Band Week is an annual celebration of Marching Bands from across the world in the Kings Garden. With its palaces, parks, museums, bridges, cathedrals, squares, galleries, concert halls, theatres, markets, castles, and iconic thoroughfares, London needs no introduction. In addition to its unique history, fabulous culture and vibrant diversity, London has a summer program of events that celebrates the marching arts. Patron of London Band Week, Mr. John Wyndham MBE, himself a Londoner, is passionate about tradition and fondly refers to his city as the, “cultural home of the marching band.” Take part in London Band Week and show your students a unique and rich experience.

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London Band Week’s program of events prioritizes the objectives of the participating bands and musicians, focusing on community, culture, development, and performance. “London Band Week empowers the bands to deliver their best performances whilst also enjoying the best the city has to offer,” explains the President of London Band Week, Dr. G. O. Jones MBE. As the 16th Director of Music, The Coldstream Guards, Dr. Jones MBE is no stranger to the biggest musical pageants hosted in London. He is thrilled that London Band Week includes a Tattoo: “Musical tattoos can be traced back to the early 17th century when drummers sent communications to soldiers. The London Tattoo at the Royal Victoria Dock pays tribute to that history whilst using one of London’s most state-of-the-art auditoriums to deliver a world-class production”, he says.

Hosted just a few days after the mid-summer solstice, the hours of daylight provide a gigantic window of opportunity for all visitors to the city. The long days enjoy glorious weather. June is also the official birthday month of Queen Elizabeth II. To celebrate the Sovereign’s Birthday, Trooping the Colour takes place on Horse Guards Parade. The ceremonious marching band events extend throughout the month with massed bands 'Beat Retreat' pageants. The Royal Ascot race meeting is held (attended by The Queen, who has had an interest in racehorses since childhood) and Wimbledon gets underway. To top it all, the city usually hosts a state visit in June. Participants will perform in a historic musical pageant at The London Tattoo. Held in the United Kingdom's most state-of-the-art auditorium on the Royal Victoria Dock. March in the adjudicated Palace Parade Review - in the King's Garden at London's Historic Royal Palace, Hampton Court. DrumLines compete for the King's Shield at DrumLine London: The Battle of Flower Pot Gate.

Students benefit from a bespoke band Clinic hosted at a premier rehearsal site equipped to accommodate the entire London Band Week cast. Enjoy meeting your instrument and section peers whilst you absorb the perspective, advice, and experience from a virtuoso at an instrumental Masterclass. You may also attend a band leadership Workshop or College.