The Topsail High School Marching Pirates received an official invitation Monday to perform in London’s 42nd annual New Year’s Day Parade, scheduled for Jan. 1, 2028. WECT reported that a delegation from the London New Year’s Day Parade arrived at the North Carolina school to present the invitation during a ceremony attended by students, staff, families and supporters.
According to a release from Pender County Schools, the delegation included London Parade founder and chairman Bob Bone and Steve Summers, chair of the London Mayors Association and former Lord Mayor of the City of Westminster. Bone formally extended the invitation to the Marching Pirates during the ceremony, telling students they are coming to London.
Director of bands Jake Wentzek said the invitation recognizes the work of students and supporters who have built the Marching Pirates program. The delegation told students the parade features performers from countries worldwide and draws spectators along a route through central London plus a worldwide television audience, officials said.
The band will prepare for the trip while continuing fundraising efforts to help make the experience possible for students. The Marching Pirates are scheduled to represent their school, Pender County Schools, North Carolina and the United States. The school district said additional information about preparation, fundraising and community support opportunities will be shared as the performance approaches.
For more information, visit wect.com.