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Ventnor Comic Jazz Band To Represent South Of England In Platinum Jubilee Pageant

Monday, 28 February 2022 12:48

By Amy Shephard X @words_by_amy

The Island's iconic Ventnor Comic Jazz Band has been chosen to represent the south of England in the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant, in London, this summer.

More than 5,000 people from across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth will celebrate the Queen's reign against the backdrop of Buckingham Palace and the surrounding streets on Sunday, June 5, combining street arts, theatre, music, circus, carnival, and costume.

Ventnor Comic Jazz Band made its first appearance in 1894 at Ventnor Carnival as a 'Mop Brigade'. Members of the local Isle of Wight Rifle Volunteers, dressed in wacky costumes, and performed comic drill displays using mops instead of rifles.

In 1911, a core section of the Mop Brigade formed a `Comic Band`, which (apart from interruptions for the two World Wars) has appeared in successive Ventnor Carnivals up to the present day.

Nowadays, the unique and highly popular band appears annually in most of the Isle of Wight Carnivals, and other major Island events.

The fun-loving band members still wear outlandish costumes, and play well-known tunes on a variety of instruments (some home-made). Since 1911, successive generations of the same families have provided continuity and carried on the tradition of 'Music, Mirth, and Mayhem'.

It is believed the Queen`s Platinum Jubilee Pageant will be the first time in its long history that the band will perform off the Island.

Mike Kullander, a senior member, said:

“We are honoured and thrilled to be chosen for this prestigious event. It promises to be a lot of fun, which is very much our style.”

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