Troy University’s Sound of the South Marching Band will perform in the London Parade and Festival on January 1, 2027. The invitation to perform is extended to only two university bands per year.

London’s New Year’s Day Parade takes place in Westminster and offers performance opportunities before a street audience of more than 600,000 spectators and a global television audience of up to 600 million viewers. The Sound of the South will also perform in the Festival Concert Series at London’s most prestigious music venues.

Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Bands, said that this is the band’s first international trip, which will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime performances throughout the city of London in both the parade and concert venues.

“Many of our students have not been out of the Southeast region; for these students to have the opportunity to travel to London to perform, study, take in the culture and visit famous sites is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the band, Troy University, and to their education,” he said.

Bob Bone, founder and chairman of the parade, said that marching bands are the highlight for the parade audience.

“The thing that always comes out on top and the thing that is most popular with our audience in London on New Year’s Day is American marching bands,” he said. “The reason is that London does not have anything with the splendor, the spectacular, glittering and terrific entertainment. We have lots of good musicians, of course, but we just don’t have marching bands.”

While in London, students will have the opportunity to visit some of the region’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London and the Crown Jewels, Windsor Castle, Oxford University, take a cruise on the River Thames and more.

The band is raising funds to help cover travel and logistical costs for the trip. Donations will help offset student travel expenses, making the trip more accessible for them. You can learn more about the trip and donate here.