Winton Carnival, Saturday 26th June 2010

This must have been the hottest day of the year so far. This was our second appearance at this Carnival. We were pleased to be asked back as last years was tremendous, and we thought if this years was as good, then we were in for a good time. Well to be honest it was better, the main road down through Winton was absolutely packed with people. There wasnt a space to be had anywhere. We set off at a good pace, but it wasn't long before we were up to our antics of entertaining the public. The Carnival floats that were in front of us had dissapeared and the ones behind were becoming impatient. We even had the Police trying to move us on, but the Joker had other idea's. "I'm in charge " he kept shouting to them, "I will move them on when I am ready". The crowds loved it, they were there to be entertained and we certainly didn't let them down. In the end the 2 female CPO's on their bicycles gave up trying to move us on and just joined in with the fun. I hope we didn't upset anyone, but if we did...TOUGH!!!!  We had a great time and I am sure everyone else did too. We look forward to a return visit in 2011. Well done to the Winton Carnival Committee for their fine efforts in putting on such a good Carnival.

West Bletchley Carnival, Saturday 12th June 2010

This was a new carnival for us and what a day we had. We didn't know what to expect and we were made very welcome from the moment we arrived. I couldn't believe all the bunting on the houses and on the cars, St. Georges flags everywhere, they knew we were coming!!!! (must have been for us cos we performed much better than the footie team). After being interviewed, filmed & photographed by all the local media, it was time to start the carnival. We were at the head of the procession and really couldn't believe what we saw when we turned onto the main road, it was absolutely packed with people. What a reception we received, the crowd were great, we were given permission to stop and entertain where ever we wanted & we done just that.

The crowds joined in with all our antics and were actually following us up the road to see what we were going to get up to next. It was unbelievable. From the parade we went into the park where there were stalls, a fairground and entertainment laid on by the local radio station. We did a 15 minute performance on the stage and had to be dragged off to the crowds bemusement, because there were other acts waiting to go on. All in all it was a fabulous day and we would certainly love a return visit.

Old Gaffers Festival I.O.W. Sunday 6th June 2010

This is one of the events the band looks forward to most in it's calendar.This must have been the 7th or 8th year in a row that we have been across to the Island. The crowd were already waiting for us when we got to the beer Tent...(just to play not to drink, I hasten to add) They are warned before hand that it might be noisy but it doesn't seem to deter anyone, from our first number (hawaii 5-0) to our last one (great escape), the crowd clapped and sang along and it gave us a real buzzzzzzz.

Our second performance was in the town square, a more traditional marching display, that was until our latest recruit Daisy, made her appearance (see picture page). There was total mayhem in the arena, but most importantly the crowds loved it. Maybe we should take her over for Cowes week.

Verwood Carnval, Monday 31st May 2010

This carnival was a little dissapointing as there wasn't much of a crowd along the route. It is a bit of a shame because it makes it hard for us to entertain when there is nobody to play to. What made it worse for us is that we were inadvertantly put behind the traction engines. These are wonderful machines, but not when you are behind them with there smoke bellowing out. We rapidly ran out of steam having inhaled all this smoke. The brass players were unable to play in the end. A lesson learned for all concerned...do not place a marching band behind a traction engine!!!!! 

Wootton Bassett Carnival, Saturday 15th May 2010

It was good to go to Wootton Bassett and give the townsfolk something to laugh at and to repay them for what they do for this country when they turn out for the repatriation of British Servicemen & Women.

It made a pleasant change to actually see the sun shining for this carnival as it normally rains. We were led by 2 gorgeous females in feathered burlesque outfits (see pictures)...had a job keeping the drummers in line...must be the first time they were keen to keep going, especially when we got the girls to take part in the routine involving the Stripper music. It was also the first appearance of our new Batgirl. She was received very well by the good sized crowds. The whole atmosphere of the carnival was superb and we were able to stop several times on route to entertain.

After the carnival it was off to the Five Bells Public House, where we were fed sausage,mash & onion gravy plus a free drink by the landlord and his staff. For this we thank you very much. After eating we then played to the patrons that were packed into the beer garden. We had a great time and we hope you did too. We look forward to being invited again in 2011.

2010 Massed Youth Bands in Concert, Sunday 14th February 2010

This was the 10th Anniversary of this event and we have been a part of it on 5 occasions. It is good for us as a Band to show our support for the Youth Bands in our area as they are our future too, once they have outgrown the youth scene. We surprise many of the audience with our music in concert form, as many of them only know us for our comedy marching displays in carnivals. As well as performing as a band for a 20 minute show, for the first time this year we were asked to supply an ensemble for a 5 minute slot. This we did in our walking out attire so the audience could actually see our faces for once. We also had several members actually take part in the Massed Bands Finale including the soloist for "High on a Hill", which was great fun and also highlighted the fact to everyone that we are a Band that not only makes people laugh, but can play great music. I would like to congratulate Simon and all his backroom staff of the "Dorset Youth Marching Band" for putting on such a great show.

LTDFUC Mad Hatters Tea Party, Grosvenor House Hotel, London. Sunday 31st January 2010

This was our first gig of 2010, and what a gig it was. The London Cabbies invite over 650 disabled and underpriviledged children  from London and the surrounding area's who decend upon the Great Hall of The Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Mayfair, to have a feast and be entertained by celebs of Stage and TV. Included this year were several of the acts from last years BGT final, with eventual winners Diversity putting in an appearance. But it was us the children really came to see. Making our umteenth appearance, we had all the children in wheelchairs formed up like a train while they chuffed around the dance floor being pushed by the Spidermen. Not to be left out it was the turn of the able bodied children to take part in a giant conga, coiling themselves round the dance floor. The band slowly sneaked off leaving them all in a muddle in the middle. It is an honour to be a part of such a great event and we hope to see you all again next year.