Application & Awards
Our next round of applications will open in January 2027. Information on our previous award winners can be found below.
2026 Scholarship Awards
We are incredibly proud to announce that at the WGUK: Winter Guard United Kingdom Finals 2026 on Saturday 4th April, we awarded— for the second year running—two very deserving recipients with scholarships of £1500 and £1000.
Thea Nuttall from Liberty Winterguard, who is heading to march Colour Guard with The Spartans Drum & Bugle Corps was awarded £1500.
Emily Edmondson from Commodores Colour Guard —also a successful 2025 applicant—who will be returning to march with The Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps Colour Guard, was awarded £1000.
Without your continued support, none of this would be possible. You are helping us keep Gavin’s memory alive in the most meaningful way.
We are so grateful to be able to support these incredible young performers as they follow their dreams and represent the UK on an international stage.
And what an added bonus this weekend brought… both girls were crowned WGUK Champions in their respective classes!
We are beyond proud of you both and cannot wait to follow your journeys this summer.
2025 Scholarship Awards
On Saturday, 5th April, at the 45th Winterguard United Kingdom (WGUK) Finals, The Gavin Woodhead Scholarship proudly awarded a total of £6,000 to four outstanding young performers who will be heading to Drum Corps International (DCI) in the United States this summer.
Each recipient received £1,500 to support their journey, recognising their dedication, talent, and passion for performance.
This year’s successful scholarship recipients are:
-
Ella Jeffrey
-
Emily Edmondson
-
Tom Fiddaman
-
Grace Rose
The Gavin Woodhead Scholarship was established in 2023 following the tragic passing of Gavin Woodhead, a much-loved and highly respected figure in both the Drum Corps and Winterguard communities. Known for his infectious enthusiasm, talent, and unwavering support of young performers, Gavin left a lasting impact on everyone who had the privilege to know him.
The scholarship was created to honour Gavin’s memory by supporting young people with aspirations of reaching the highest levels of performance in the activity he loved so deeply. More than just a financial award, the initiative aims to help recipients gain life-changing experiences — with the hope that they will return to share their learnings and inspire others, creating a lasting legacy in Gavin's name.
“We are so proud of all four recipients,” said a spokesperson for the scholarship. “We can’t wait to see your photos and hear about your experiences over the summer – this is just the beginning.”
A heartfelt thank you was also extended to everyone who has supported the initiative since its inception.
“It’s truly amazing what can grow from an idea,” the team reflected, as the scholarship continues to celebrate Gavin’s spirit and support future generations of performers.