This year they will make their 19th visit to Marple's Carnival, shaking their pompoms again round the carnival parade route and performing their unique display on the carnival field.

What are Billerettes? The name Billerettes is derived from combining Bill and Majorettes. They are a marching Majorette Team with a difference, for with the exception of their mascot and flag waving colour guard, the rest of the team may dress like girl majorettes, may even from the odd angle in failing light, look like girl majorettes, but are in fact most definitely men, ages ranging from 18 to 64 years. The Billerettes were founded back in 1975 by their leader Bill Weston, they were formed initially as a "send-up" of girl majorettes. The aim of the team is to give enjoyment, not only with the occasional slick routine but also by comedy and enthusiasm.

The motto of the Billerettes is "ONE FOR ALL - AND ALL FOR CHARITY". It is impossible to quantify the amount the Billerettes have raised for charity during the past 30 years. Our reward is knowing that people old, young, sick or infirm have gained from our efforts.

Although for the first 4 years in the history of the Billerettes, they were only involved in the local carnival once a year. In 1979 the Billerettes were seen for the first time on British Television in "The Innes Book of Records", as well as seeing the Billerettes performing outside their home town of Buxton in 4 other events. Each year has seen the Billerettes appearing more and more, in many different venues. As everything we do is for charity or sheer entertainment and only as a hobby, it is impossible to accept all the invitations we receive. Apart from appearing on television and in carnival parades, the Billerettes have appeared at galas, fetes, weddings, birthday parties, civic receptions, charity concerts, discos, cabarets, dinner parties and hospitals, even on the hallowed ground of Manchester United Football Ground, entertained in France and even been on live Radio. Other television appearances include: "No Limits" BBC2, "Big Breakfast" Channel 4, and a 1994 re-show of "Innes Book of Records" on Sky UK Gold.