On the Road 2008 Kicks Off With A Bang

After months of planning by BYBA President, Bob Girvan, at 2:30pm on Monday 28th July, Carly March struck up the band, and Warwick Girls led the parade into the arena at Dawlish Warren with Poynton Commodores and members from the Northern Star Group close behind.

Large banners from Teignmouth District Council promoted today’s event and the next one on Wednesday. Leaflets were also being given out from the BYBA Stall ahead of the performances to the hundreds of families who were on their way to the beach or back to their holiday home.

We even were approached by an ex-Green Lancer, a current Doncaster Scout, and an old army guy who remembered the Blue Eagles and Hornchurch D+TC! Isn’t banding a small world!

Now onto the performances, and in typical Warwick style the eager holidaymakers were treated to a full marching show from their 2008 production – Mika! And the crowd lapped it up.

The Northern Star Group gave two enthusiastic ensemble performances, firstly a street percussion ensemble, followed by a guard feature celebrating the typical British weather starting with an Andy Cartwrigt trumpet solo of Singing in the Rain, then it was over to the blue and white silks, umbrellas, rifles and finally a water fight!! All of which was performed to a medley of weather-related tracks.

Next up on a slightly restricted arena size though with a full marching show was Poynton Commodores, who did a great job taking everyone back to pure drum corps with their 2008 production The Tapestry of Life.

After an interval, the whole thing was repeated, some marching and some in concert, with the audience being informed on our fantastic marching arts activity and each performance by MC Mark Nicholson, who was in fine form.

As the week progresses, additional material will be added to performances including some combined ensembles.

The BYBA Stall was available to sell merchandise and promote all BYBA members across the country from our member database. So you never know, you just might get some enquiries! Leaflets on the 3 units were also available.

So, the "Tour" has got off to a cracking start in Dawlish Warren today and for anyone on holiday in the area this week, come down and see the BYBA units perform at the following locations:

The Den, Teignmouth Weds 30th Jul 6:30pm.

The Killicourt, Newquay Fri 1st Aug 2:30pm.

High Cross and Lemon Quay, Truro Sat 2nd Aug 10am.

The Green, Perranporth Sat 2nd Aug 6:30pm.

Look out for further updates as the week develops.