BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The WKU Big Red Marching Band has received an invitation to perform in the 2025 London New Year’s Day Parade.
The London parade is the equivalent to the renowned Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade with more than 500,000 people in attendance annually. The parade is also televised on PBS to more than 500 million people, reaching approximately 82% of U.S. television markets.
On Monday, September 18th, an official entourage consisting of former Lord Mayor for the city of Westminster and founding patron of LNYDP, Roger Bramble, and other dignitaries arrived at 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.
Dr. Matthew McCurry, Director of Athletic Bands and Associate Director of Bands, says they are excited for the band to be presented with this opportunity to travel and take the name of Western Kentucky University and the WKU Big Red Marching Band to a whole new level. McCurry adds they have worked hard to put the Big Red Marching Band in the spotlight on a national stage and have students be recognized for the fantastic work that they do.
This invitation coincides with a landmark year for the WKU Big Red Marching Band. 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the WKU Band program.
Dr. Gary Schallert, Director of Bands says it will be exciting to step off the centenary year by marching in the London New Year’s Day Parade.
Dr. Schallert and Dr. McCurry have both participated in previous LNYDP festivities. Dr. Schallert performed at the inaugural LNYDP in 1987 with the New Mexico State University Marching Band, while Dr. McCurry took the Carter High School Marching Band to the celebration in 2010. Bramble mentioned Dr. Schallert’s connection to LNYDP in his video message to the band.
In the video, Bramble stated, quote, “We are hoping that Gary Schallert, with many years of experience with this parade, will influence you young people to come over and make joy in 2025. It will be a huge joy to us to welcome you.”
