Medina Marching Band Isle of Wight has been invited to take part in the world-famous Lord Mayor’s Show in London on Saturday 14th November 2026 — marking the fifth time in the band’s history that Medina has participated in this prestigious event.
The invitation comes fresh off the back of Medina’s successful participation in London Band Week, where the band performed in the London Tattoo before taking part in the Palace Parade Review, marching along The Mall, past Buckingham Palace and on to Horse Guards Parade.
Now, just months later, Medina Marching Band will return to the capital to represent the Isle of Wight at one of London’s oldest and most prestigious ceremonial events.
This will be a particularly special return to the Lord Mayor’s Show for Medina. Having previously taken part on four occasions, 2026 will see the band proudly participate for the fifth time in its 50-year history.
The Lord Mayor’s Show has centuries of history and brings together military units, marching bands, charities, community organisations and ceremonial groups for a spectacular procession through the streets of the City of London. The event attracts thousands of spectators along the route and is also broadcast live on the BBC, giving audiences across the country the opportunity to watch the historic procession and see Medina Marching Band proudly representing the Isle of Wight on the national stage.
For Medina, the invitation takes on even greater significance as 2026 marks 50 years since the band was founded on the Isle of Wight in 1976.
The anniversary year began in spectacular fashion on New Year’s Day, when Medina travelled to the capital to take part in the London New Year’s Day Parade. Since then, the band has maintained a busy programme of performances throughout 2026, including hosting a 50th Anniversary spring concert and putting on a 50th Anniversary Tattoo at Cowes Enterprise College with guest bands from the mainland and Isle of Wight, the band also supporting events across the Isle of Wight as well as representing the Island at a number of major mainland engagements including Swanage and Ringwood Carnival.
The Lord Mayor’s Show will therefore provide a fitting finale to an extraordinary 50th Anniversary year — a year that began on the streets of London and will conclude with the band returning to the capital for one of the most prestigious events in its calendar.
Chairman Kevin Downer said:
“To be invited to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show for the fifth time in Medina’s history, and to do so during our 50th Anniversary year, is a tremendous honour for everyone connected with the band.
“It seems particularly fitting that our anniversary year began in London with the New Year’s Day Parade and will finish with us returning to the capital for the Lord Mayor’s Show.
“In between, our members have continued to support our many Island events while also representing Medina and the Isle of Wight at mainland performances. It has been an incredibly busy year, but one that has given our members some fantastic opportunities and memories.
“London Band Week was another major highlight. Performing in the London Tattoo and then taking part in the Palace Parade Review, marching along The Mall past Buckingham Palace and on to Horse Guards Parade, was an experience our members will remember for many years to come.
“To now receive an invitation to return to London and participate in the Lord Mayor’s Show is another fantastic achievement and demonstrates the reputation Medina has built over many years.
“Knowing that the Lord Mayor’s Show will also be broadcast live on the BBC makes the occasion even more special. It is a fantastic opportunity for our members and a chance for people back home on the Isle of Wight to watch and support the band as we represent the Island in London.
“Most importantly, it gives our members, particularly our younger musicians, the opportunity to experience performing at a major national event and to proudly represent the Isle of Wight on an incredible stage.
“Our 50th Anniversary has always been about celebrating the people who have been part of Medina since 1976, while also looking firmly towards the future. To finish such a significant year by taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Show for the fifth time in our history really couldn’t be more fitting.”
The appearance will be another significant chapter in Medina’s anniversary celebrations, which have seen past and present members come together to celebrate the band’s history while a new generation of musicians continues to develop within its ranks.
From its beginnings on the Isle of Wight in 1976, Medina Marching Band has continued to provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn music, perform as part of a marching band and represent the Island at events both at home and further afield.
