KY University Band to Perform in London on New Year’s Day ’25
Lost in all the autumn "feels" you get from attending a football game this time of year is ANOTHER wonderful reminder of what time of year it is.
There's just nothing like watching a football game in the fall. It might just be the perfect seasonal activity. But, in addition to the sights and sounds from gridiron, the marching bands absolutely bring it and create a sort of SOUNDTRACK for the game, the season, the WEATHER. It's a perfect combination.
Around Kentucky, we have so many amazing musicians giving it their all every time they step out onto the field. From our high schools to our universities, bands in the Commonwealth always knock it out of the park.
An Extraordinary Opportunity for the Western KY University Band
But there's one band, in particular, that has attracted attention from way across the Atlantic Ocean. That would be the Big Red Marching Band at Western Kentucky University.
I've heard and enjoyed them on a number of occasions sitting in L.T. Smith Stadium and admit to being quite proud that Western's marching band will perform in London in 2025 at the New Year's Day Parade.
WKU Band Performing at London's New Year's Day Parade and How Huge That Is
WDRB-Louisville points out the significance and magnitude of that honor:
London's New Year's Day Parade is the equivalent of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, bringing more than 500,000 people to the parade. The parade is also televised, reaching more than 500 million people globally.
This is incredibly exciting, to say the least. And so was the announcement, according to WKU News. This is so cool:
An official entourage consisting of former Lord Mayor for the city of Westminster and founding patron of LNYDP, Roger Bramble, the Senior Patron and President of the London Mayors Association, the Chairman of the LNYDP, his aide-de-camp, and Senior Director of International Participation for LNYDP, Bill Northen, arrived at the Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium to present Dr. Gary Schallert, Dr. Matthew McCurry, and members of the WKU Big Red Marching Band with the official performance invitation.
As one might expect from British officials in such a situation, there was plenty of pomp. And what a CIRCUMSTANCE. Additionally, the WKU marching band will celebrate its 100th anniversary. It just keeps getting better and better.
A huge congratulations to my alma mater and its marching band. As for TV viewing information? That will be released at a later date.