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The New Zealand Marching Championships started on Thursday and runs till Saturday in Invercargill, with 37 teams from all over the country looking for a top spot in the competition.
The last time Marching Southland hosted the event was back in 2017, and it all started with the opening ceremony at ILT Stadium Southland on Thursday at 3pm.
Marching Southland publicity and promotions officer Sheree Hall said the region had six teams competing in grades from Under 13 through to seniors. There was also a masters grade in the national champs.
Related:
Southland Marching Wins Two South Island Titles
Hokonui Marchers Clean Up At NZ Champs
The Southland teams involved are Blue Jay u13 & u18, Southern Stars u13 and seniors as well as Hokonui u13 & u18.
“We want everyone to come along and see what marching is all about and back their teams as they have put in months of hard work to be the best they can be – this is suitable for all ages to come along, watch and be inspired.”
Special guest Dave McMeeking will be singing at the opening ceremony and the first qualifying march begins on Friday morning at 9am.
“This determines which competition the teams will compete in tomorrow – either plate or Championship March.”
Saturday’s events start at 9am with the plate march and awards, and in the lunch break there will be performances by the Invercargill Pipe Band and Invercargill Rock n roll Club
From approximately 1pm on Saturday the Championship March will begin followed by awards and closing.
The Hokonui team u13s have won two consecutive South Island titles and was also the 2024 New Zealand Championship team.
The Southern Stars is the newest team involved, having established in 2018, while the Blue Jay club has been marching for the past 60 years.
For updates and more information:
Facebook facebook.com/marchingsouthland; Instagram marching _southland
Website www.marchingsouthland.co.nz
