The Isle of Wight Festival of Remembrance is moving to the larger Medina Theatre in Newport for the first time this November, marking a major milestone for the annual event.
Organised by Medina Marching Band IW, the Festival will take place on Friday 6th November, bringing together musicians, cadets, veterans and community organisations for an evening of music, ceremony and remembrance.
The event has grown considerably since its beginnings in 2019, when Medina Marching Band staged a Festival of Remembrance for pupils at Nine Acres Primary School in Newport.
Following the COVID pandemic, the band expanded the occasion into an Island-wide event at Christ the King College, with the long-term ambition of establishing a major annual remembrance gathering.
Now, that ambition is taking another step forward with the move to Medina Theatre, allowing more Islanders to attend and support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Kevin Downer, Chairman of Medina Marching Band IW, said:
“Christ the King College has been a fantastic home for the Festival, and we are extremely grateful for the support they have given us over the years.
Article continues below this advertisement “However, when we first established the Island-wide Festival, our long-term ambition was always to move to a larger theatre and develop the event further.
“This year we have taken that big step and moved to Medina Theatre. It is a significant financial commitment for us, but we believe the Festival has the potential to become an important annual event in the Island’s calendar.
“We now need the support of the Island community to help us make that ambition a reality.”
A major addition to this year’s Festival is the involvement of Vectis Brass Band, which will share musical responsibilities with Medina Marching Band throughout the evening.
Both bands will perform their own selections, while Vectis Brass Band will provide the accompaniment for the traditional Drumhead Service, led by Reverend Roger Whatley.
Members of Medina Marching Band’s Corps of Drums will construct the ceremonial drum altar to the sound of Hymn to the Fallen, with the service also featuring the Last Post, Reveille and moments of reflection.
Other organisations taking part include Island Highland Pipes & Drums, Wight Harmony, 1024 Isle of Wight Squadron Air Training Corps Drill Display Team, Isle of Wight Sea Cadets, Uniformed Public Services students from the Isle of Wight College and Royal British Legion Standard Bearers.
The evening will be compered by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Brigadier Maurice Sheen CBE OStJ QVRM TD DL, before concluding with a musical finale featuring performers from across the Festival.
Kevin explained:
“In previous years, Medina Marching Band has carried much of the musical programme, but we don’t want the Festival to be simply a Medina Marching Band concert.
“It is the Isle of Wight Festival of Remembrance, and we want it to be an occasion that belongs to the whole Island.”
This year’s Festival also coincides with Medina Marching Band’s 50th anniversary celebrations. Founded in September 1976 by the late George Urry, the band will represent the Isle of Wight at the Lord Mayor’s Show in London on Saturday 14th November, just 8 days after the Festival.
All participating organisations and performers are giving their time free of charge, with all proceeds after venue hire costs being donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Kevin concluded:
“We would love to see Medina Theatre filled on 6th November. Whether you have a connection to the Armed Forces or simply wish to enjoy an evening of wonderful music while paying your respects, everyone is welcome.”
The Isle of Wight Festival of Remembrance takes place at Medina Theatre, Newport, on Friday 6th November at 19:30.
Tickets cost £15 and can be booked via Medina Theatre’s website.
