Gwinnett’s Mill Creek High has been invited by Queen Elizabeth II to participate in London’s New Year’s Day Parade on January 1, 2010. The Lord Lieutenancy of Greater London, sent by Her Majesty the Queen, will visit Mill Creek High Friday, October 3, 2008. The Honorable Roger Bramble, the Principal Patron of the “London New Year’s Day Parade & Festival,” will officially invite the school’s marching band to perform during a formal ceremony scheduled from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

“Having a visit by a dignitary like Mr. Bramble is a tremendous honor for our band and school,” says Erik Mason, Mill Creek High’s band director. “I am proud to be able to let the world see the wonderful students and facilities of Mill Creek High. The most wonderful part of the visit for me is the pride and awe shown by our students.”

The Lord Lieutenancy of Greater London represents Her Majesty the Queen when she is personally unable to be present at an important function or event. Mr. Bramble has been designated as the Queen’s representative for the parade due to his work for the arts over a career of 50 years. He is currently Chairman of the Public Art Advisory Panel, Deputy Chairman of the English National Ballet, a full board Member of the English National Opera, Chairman of the Council for Dance Education and Training, and serves in a number of other capacities as well.

During Mr. Bramble’s visit to Mill Creek High, the school’s band will perform and students will show him around the “home of the hawks” during a tour. Mill Creek High was invited to the January 1, 2010, parade as one of a select number of groups from the United States of America.

News media representatives interested in visiting Mill Creek High during the ceremony are invited to do so. The Queen’s representative plans to allow time for questions with members of the press.