What is Winterguard?

Winterguard is a competitive activity organised in the UK by the charity Marching & Performing Arts United Kingdom (http://www.mpauk.org.uk). In this element of the activity groups of young people perform shows combining dance and group manoeuvring with the use of flags and other hand held equipment all performed to pre-recorded music. It’s something that sits alongside but between majorettes, twirlers and rhythmic gymnastics and has to be seen to be believed!

Groups are divided for competitive purposes into 4 classes covering standards from novice to expert. Competitions are held from January to the end of March in sports halls and leisure centres throughout the UK. In 1995 and 1996 the Winterguard circuit was run in conjunction with The Irish Marching Band Association with shows held each of those years in Dublin, Ireland.  In recent years we have worked very closely with our friends in Holland from Color Guard Netherlands and for the past few years a Winterguard International sanctioned event is held alternating between our two countries and this is due back in the UK in 2009.

The Winterguard season reaches its climax with The British Colour Guard Championships which in 2009 will held at the Brentwood Centre in Essex on Saturday, 4th April. Details of this event will appear under the contest section.

The rules for Winterguard are pretty straight forward and this is an activity which can be put ‘on the road’ at limited cost giving groups the chance to have a great deal of fun and the sense of achievement that teamwork can bring. Planning for the Year 2009 season has already started and enquiries about membership would be welcome at any time.

If you have a colour guard, pom pom or majorette troop and are looking for something to do during the long winter months then this could be for you and you can take part in as much or as little of the season as you wish.

If you’re interested in knowing more about this activity please contact the WGUK Chairman - chairman@wguk.org.uk