DCI and DCUK reaffirm Strategic Partnership

In 2016 Drum Corps United Kingdom entered into a Strategic Partnership with Drum Corps International, the world leader in producing and sanctioning touring, competitive events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching music ensembles, with specific reference to their Sound Sport and DrumLine Battle programs and for the past 3 seasons DCUK has seen a rise each year in the number of units taking part in these activities as part of the summer marching season.

Since 2017 DCUK has also been the Sponsor of the International Reception held at Lucas Oil Stadium as part of the DCI World Championships week in August in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA and 2019 was no exception. This event is attended by many groups and organisations from around the globe and is an opportunity for all the different styles and cultures to meet to share experiences together and used as an ideal way of transferring knowledge. 

In November, whilst visiting the USA, Alan Thompson, Chairman of Marching & Performing Arts UK (the Charity responsible for DCUK), was presented with an Award from DCI thanking DCUK for its outstanding support during 2019 and also to reaffirm the Strategic Partnership between the two organisations. 

“Our partnership with DCI is extremely important to us in the UK”, commented Alan, “The more performance opportunities we have for our groups the better and the support, help and advice we get from across the Atlantic is so valuable to us as we continue to try and provide a quality service to our membership”

“We are very pleased to continue our longstanding relationship with DCUK, our support of Marching & Performing Arts UK and the outstanding organizations they serve,” said Dan Acheson, Chief Executive Officer of Drum Corps International. “We look forward to welcoming Beeches Performance Ensemble and the Kidsgrove Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps to the 2020 DCI World Championship Week festivities in Indianapolis next summer. The growth of our ongoing partnership with our friends in the UK will continue to be of benefit to performers, educators and fans of the marching arts around the world.”


Drum Corps International, Marching Music’s Major League™, has been the leader in producing events for the world’s most elite and exclusive marching ensembles for student musicians and performers for nearly half a century. Its mission is to bring the life-enriching benefits and enjoyment of marching music performing arts to more people worldwide. We do this by creating a stage for participating organizations to engage in education, competition, entertainment, and the promotion of individual growth.

Drum Corps United Kingdom, part of Marching & Performing Arts UK, is a charitable organisation which seeks to promote and support its member Drum and Bugle Corps within the United Kingdom. Established in 1980, DCUK currently has a membership of Drum Corps spread geographically right across the country. DCUK organises Drum Corps contests throughout the summer for corps of all experience and abilities.

17th December 2019