The Golden Cavaliers are delighted to be hosting the 2023 South Island Leisure Marching Event.
The annual event, which will be held at the Gore Multisport Centre on October 28, will see up to 28 marching teams from across the South Island gather to share their displays.
Team member Julie Chisholm said the team is proud to be able to host the event and show off their hometown.
“Teams from across the South Island take turns hosting the event each year and this year its our turn,” she said.
“It’s been five years since the event was last held in Gore and we can’t wait to show fellow marchers the highlights and world-famous in Gore destinations that the team love to call home.”
She said each team has seven to 14 members who meet regularly to practice marching technique and prepare routines for display.
“Routines are typically three to five minutes long and include lots of formations to marching or preferred music. This particular event isn’t judged. Leisure Marching has been created for mature marchers with an aim to have fun, make good friends and stay fit.”
Team coach Sue Stenning has been involved with marching since she was young as a marcher, coach and judge.
She was one of the instigators of the team, which began in the 1990s.
“The team was created as another avenue for ex-marchers and non-marchers to give it a go,” she said.
“The motto for Leisure Marching is fun, friendship and fitness and that’s exactly what happens when you join a team.
‘‘There’s also a lot of satisfaction is seeing the formations and routines come together for events.”
She said she was looking forward to the South Island event.
The event begins with marchers gathering to salute any dignitaries that are present, followed by team displays.
At 1pm the New Zealand Champion U18 marching team Hokonui will perform their technical drill plan and display.
Mrs Chisholm said the event is always followed by a social function where the teams can enjoy dinner, a good band and dance.
The 2023 South Island Leisure Marching Event will be held at the Gore Multisport Complex on Oct 28 from 11am.
The event is open for public viewing and is free to attend. A number of raffles will be available.
