Ships Ahoy at The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Bring in the Marines... that's right, 46 Marines from the US Marine Forces Pacific Band are in Sydney to perform at a number of events including the Glebe Music Festival on Saturday 26th November in Glebe.

As a very special treat, they will be visiting patients at The Children's Hospital at Westmead on Thursday 24th November at 2.00pm.

A 5 piece ensemble will be performing for the patients in the Starlight Express Room and then the Marines will be visiting the patients on the wards. Something the children will enjoy greatly.

The exact origins of the US Marine Forces Pacific Band are unclear. It is believed that some time before the 1920s, marines not assigned as musicians but having musical talent, collaborated in their off-duty time to rehearse and perform for base dances, social functions and military ceremonies. These activities eventually led to the establishment of the Band in around 1918.

The Band itself is one of the oldest American military units in Hawaii, even older than the Marine Forces Pacific itself. Today, as it was in the past, the Band is a versatile organisation comprised of Marines with a wide range of musical talents. They come from all across America to do what they love - play music and bear the title "United States Marine".

The US Marine Forces Pacific Band is also performing at the Glebe Music Festival raising money for The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

The highlight of the Glebe Music Festival, now in its 16th year, will be a parade with free public performances by the US Marine Forces Pacific Band to be held on Saturday 26th November in Glebe, Sydney. The event will commence at 12-30pm outside the Glebe Library (corner Wigram Road and Glebe Point Road). The Band will then parade along Glebe Point Road to Foley Park (corner Bridge Road and Glebe Point Road) for another performance at around 1-00pm and then to Minogue Reserve (near the Glebe Markets) for a final performance at around 2-00pm. This event is supported by a generous grant from the Council of the City of Sydney. This will be a unique experience for family and friends alike.

Media should meet at Public Relations, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Cnr Hawkesbury Road & Hainsworth Street, Westmead.
Contact: Debra Fowler, Public Relations on (02) 9845 3584 or
Page via switchboard on (02) 9845 0000