Marching Warriors invited to perform in 2016 London New Year's Day Parade

Catherine Longworth, former Lord Mayor of The City of Westminster and senior patron of London’s New Year’s Day Parade and Festival and her associate Robert Bone paid a visit to Fallbrook High School the evening of Sept. 26 where she formally announced to Warrior Marching Band members, parents, and school officials that the school band was invited to participate in the prestigious event in January of 2016. Longworth followed up two hours later by making the announcement public during halftime of the varsity football game.

In explaining why the invitation was being extended, Longworth said, “I promise you [spectators] don’t come because of the weather; it’s generally speaking quite chilly. Come out they do, and they come to see you because you are fresh, exhilarating, and tremendous entertainment to the crowds. We don’t have marching bands such as yours. They [will] just love you!”

The London New Year’s Day Parade, with a route of 2.2 miles, is known as the crown jewel of London’s festive season. The event blends historical pomp and ceremony with exuberant, contemporary celebration.

“This is an honor and a life-changing opportunity for the students,” explained Tamara Monasterio, vice president of Fallbrook Band Boosters. Currently there are 62 members of the Fallbrook High Marching Band and Color Guard.

The 2016 parade will be London’s 30th and is anticipated to include 10,000 performers representing that city and approximately 20 countries from around the world. Entertainment for the estimated one million-plus spectators will include musicians, dancers, cheerleaders, acrobats, and other performers.

The parade is televised and typically viewed by about 220 million people worldwide.

The task now at hand locally is raising the money for the band to make the trip.

“In addition to raising money for the FHS marching band program ($60,000 per year), the band is seeking support to make London a reality,” said Monasterio. “The seven-day trip includes performing in the parade and at a prestigious London music hall, as well as numerous tours and experiences that only London can provide. The trip cost is $3,000 per student, which will involve the graduating seniors, as well as incoming ninth graders.”

“The Band Boosters hopes to see the community of Fallbrook rally around the students and help make the trip a reality,” she added. “They are planning numerous fundraising events and seeking sponsors, both corporate and private, to help fund the trip by October of 2015.”

For more information, visit fallbrookhsband.org or call (760) 468-4415.