A VOLUNTEER organisation is planning ahead to next summer to show its appreciation for 60 years of the town’s carnival show band.
Summer 2023 marks 60 years since the Romsey Old Cadets debuted at Romsey Carnival. To celebrate the occasion the carnival is planning ‘Party in the Park’ on Sunday, August 27, 2023, for the people of Romsey to get together and show their appreciation for the esteemed show band.
The cadets, formed in 1963, is made up of local men, including generations of families and some ex-service men. The carnival show band has performed all over the UK in flower festivals, shows, fetes and weddings as well as in France and Germany too. The group is also proud to represent the town for more serious occasions such as Remembrance Day Parades, Lord Mountbatten's Memorial Parade and St Georges Day.
Despite being deemed ‘world renowned’ the Romsey Old Cadets still consider Romsey Carnival as their biggest event of the year, labelling it their “FA cup final.”
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Event organisers are urging people to save the date and have asked if there are any children’s entertainers and bands who would be happy to entertain on the day.
Romsey Carnival treasurer, Sylvia Finch, said: “The Romsey Old Cadets is a long-standing show band, who attend events all over the country raising money for charities all through the year. They have not only brought people together in Romsey but, all around the country. The band always bring smiles to the people’s faces and get the audience up participating in their show. Romsey Carnival would definitely not be the same without them.”
Members of the Romsey Old Cadets were discussing ideas for the sapphire anniversary when they received an invite and proposed celebration from Romsey Carnival.
Secretary Martin Wood said: “We were and still, are very taken aback, we feel very, very honoured and are humbled by it all. It is an enormous honour to think that people care about us in such a way, and to go to such lengths and organise something like this on our behalf. This really will be our FA Cup final.
“From the committe and the other 50 plus members of the band, thanks must go to the carnival committee and a big thank you to the people of Romsey for their continued support.”
Each year the band showcase a new costume theme, their first in 1963 being ‘Sons of the Sands’ using bed sheets and tea towels to make their costumes. Other themes over the 60 years include ducks, scarecrows, leprechauns and Robin Hood and his merry men. Click through the gallery at the top of the page to see some of the costumes through the years.
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Martin added: “Those 1963 lads started the tradition, entertaining the people watching with some well know tunes. It is really great to see lots of children and their reluctant parents, having a dance with us. Even a few Mayor's and local MPs have had that pleasure - it's no good hiding Mrs Nokes.”
For more go to romseyoldcadets.co.uk/
And for more on Romsey Carnival go to romseycarnival.co.uk/
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