Majorettes ready to compete in two national contests

GUERNSEY Majorettes are gearing up to return to action as they head to two national competitions this year – the first time the group has travelled to compete at that level since 2020.

Majorettes from Guernsey will be heading to two competitions in the UK this year, the first of which is this weekend. Ravenscroft and Artex have provided sponsorship. Pictured with some of the travelling Majorettes are Kevin Roberts, in blue, from Artex and Shannon Lancaster from Ravenscroft, to his right. (31933019)

This weekend 25 competitors and three leaders will head to the British Baton Twirling Association’s Spring Championship in Blackpool.

The Guernsey Majorettes have close to 100 members with the youngest being pre-schoolers.

They have been competing nationally and internationally for over 25 years, however this has been put on hold recently due to Covid.

‘We have managed to compete online but it isn’t the same and we really wanted to give youngsters the chance to compete properly.

'Unfortunately, our fundraising efforts over the last few years have also been limited due to the pandemic,’ said Lucy Mckenzie from the Majorettes.

‘In addition, we were unable to perform during 2020 and saw a marked reduction in performances in 2021 and 2022 which meant the donations we sometimes receive from event organisers also reduced.’

Alongside this weekend’s competition, a group is entering the GBBTA World Championships in Blackpool Tower this November.

Ravenscroft and Artex Risk Solutions have agreed to co-sponsor both trips.

Scarlet Broome, 10, said she was excited to be given the opportunity to travel again.

‘I’m most looking forward to doing my performances and spending the weekend with my friends.’

Belle Le Tissier, 10, also enjoys the social aspect of majorettes and said she was happy to display what she has been learning.

‘We started practising our duo routine before Christmas and I’ve really been enjoying it. I’m looking forward to performing it with Scarlet on the weekend.’

Mrs Mckenzie said there are many benefits for those who go away to compete.

‘In the UK, particular in the north of the country, majorettes and baton twirling are hugely popular and the skills and abilities of some that we compete against are fantastic – having the chance for our members to travel and compete in that environment is hugely beneficial for their development in terms of technical skills but also confidence as well.’

She added that the sponsors’ help was gratefully received.

‘It means a lot that two local companies can see the good work we do and are happy to help.’