Coastal Carolina University’s Chanticleer Regiment marching band, under the direction of band director and associate professor Garrett Griffin, will participate in the 2023 London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP).

The London New Year’s Day Parade has a five-decade history, draws a live crowd of 500,000, and reaches up to 600 million viewers around the world. Ninety-two student musicians will travel and perform on the international stage. University mascot Chauncey, who is technically British in origin, as his character is derived from Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, will travel for the first time to his homeland.

“We are very excited for this opportunity, both for the students and the University,” said Griffin. “To be able to perform on an international stage, such as the London New Year’s Day Parade, is an experience this community and the band members will remember forever.”

Edwards College Dean Claudia Bornholdt emphasized the unique nature of the opportunity.

“Being invited to participate in the LNYDP is an honor and a recognition of the high quality of our band program at CCU,” said Bornholdt. “This event will bring national and international exposure to the city of Conway and its University.”

Edwards College fundraising efforts, which offer a wide range of sponsorship and donor opportunities with gifts including free performances at a personal or private event, are ongoing. These efforts will ensure that all qualified students will travel with the Chanticleer Regiment.

Sponsorship and donor opportunities

For more information, contact Karen Williams, Edwards College business manager, at 843-349-2772 or kwilliam@coastal.edu.