What is Marching & Performing Arts?

Marching & Performing Arts United Kingdom (MPA:UK) is a charitable organisation setup to advance the musical and performing arts education of young people throughout the United Kingdom in all aspects of the performing arts, primarily but not exclusively in playing musical instruments, colour guard and dance, by means of concerts and exhibitions at which such individuals may perform to advance the aesthetic education of the public.

The charity was formed in 1979 and prior to 2007 was known as Drum Corps United Kingdom (DCUK) and on 22nd October 2006 the membership voted for a more inclusive organisation and so MPA:UK was "born" - click here to read the announcement (PDF file)

MPA:UK currently has two active competitive circuits - Drum Corps United Kingdom (DCUK) which runs events for Drum Corps (Marching Bands) normally, but not exclusively, between the months of June to October and WinterGuard United Kingdom (WGUK) that runs events for Colour Guards and indoor marching musical groups normally, but again not exclusively, between the months of January and April.

MPA:UK Who's Who?

The first contact would be best directed to the MPA:UK Office which has 24 hour telephone answering and e-mail facilities. We will be only too happy to deal with your enquiry. 

MPA:UK Board of Trustees
MPA:UK is governed by a Board of Trustees. The current Board members are:

Alan Thompson - Chairman (chairman@mpauk.org.uk)
Joe Fitzpatrick - Deputy Chairman (deputy@mpauk.org.uk)
Mark Gutteridge - Treasurer (treasurer@mpauk.org.uk)
Barry Davis
Lee Jex
Mark Nicholson

MPA:UK Vice Presidents
MPA:UK is proud to have five very distinguished past and present servants of the drum corps activity as its Vice Presidents. They are:

Mr John W Garton 
Mr Trevor Haworth 
Mr John Boyington CBE
Mr Joe Fitzpatrick 
Mr Alan Thompson (click here to see Announcement)