Wimbledon Tennis 2026

Wimbledon Tennis 2026

The singing groundsman performs with Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra at Wimbledon Tennis Championships

We are delighted to announce that our young musicians have been invited back to perform at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon once again.

Dates and ensembles involved:

Thursday 9 July:

Merton Youth Concert Band (MYCB)

Friday 10 July:

Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra (MYJO)
Merton Jazz Vocal Collective

Please scroll down for final information for the day, including arrival time and meeting place.

Information & FAQs

Dates

Thursday 9 July

  • Merton Youth Concert Band

Friday 10 July

  • Merton Youth Jazz Orchestra
  • Merton Jazz Vocal Collective

Location

All England Lawn Tennis Club
Church Road
London
SW19 5AE

Arrival Time and Info

Performers should arrive at Gate 5 on Church Road at 8.15am in concert dress.

You will not be allowed into the grounds on your own, so it is essential that you are not late.

We will finish around 1pm. Upon arrival, all bags and instruments will be checked and searched on the door by security.

What To Wear

  • Black MMF polo shirts
  • Black trousers/skirt
  • Black shoes
  • In the event of sunny weather, please bring a hat and suncream

MMF polo shirts are available to buy from MMF Music Centre South Wimbledon or our office at Merton Abbey Primary School

TV filming

As in previous years, television cameras may be filming any part of the performance. Your dress, behaviour, concentration and playing must be of the very highest standard throughout.

Music Stands

We will provide music stands, there is no need to bring your own.

Accreditation

For security reasons, band members will have a special ‘Visitors Pass’ for entering the Championships. This must be kept on you at all times. If you need to leave your instrument with Left Luggage, please note that this facility is outside the Grounds. To re-enter the Championships you will need your pass.

For band members attending Thursday and Friday, your pass will be valid for both days. Please remember to bring your pass for the second day, as a new one will not be issued by AELTC.

Performance info

MYCB and MYJO performances will take place under the Long Bar Canopy outside the Centre Court. Both performances will be between 10.00am and approximately 12.00pm. In the event of rain, the area is covered.

Food

Sandwich lunches and soft drinks will be provided by the AELTC. We will eat together where we have played after the van has been loaded.

Please indicate your child’s dietary requirements via the RSVP form.

Guest Passes

We are normally allocated 1 guest Ground Pass per student, which you can purchase from MMF in order to attend the performance and reamin in the grounds throughout the day. Passes are approx £12.50 for Thursday and £10 for Friday (prices are TBC). You can indicate your preference on the RSVP form.

After The Performance

All equipment must be loaded back into the van. All band members will be expected to help so that this can be done as quickly and efficiently as possible. Please do not leave until loading is complete.

We expect our involvement in the Championships to be finished by 1pm on both days.

After this time, arrangements should be made to either remain at Wimbledon to watch matches on the outer courts or to be collected from Gate 4 on Church Road (TBC) at 1pm.

Please note that MMF staff will be acting in a supervisory role between 8:15am and 1pm. Performers who wish to stay on to watch matches after this time do so unsupervised or will be dismissed as per the preference you indicated on the RSVP form. If band members wish to stay on at Wimbledon after their performance there are lockers available to store instruments and backpacks off site.

Actions Required

Absence Request Letter

Please download this letter and send it to your child’s school / headteacher, alongside a covering letter from you requesting an approved absence on the date of the performance in order for your child to attend.

School Absence Approval Letter Download Links: