The band have just returned from a 4 day (self funded) visit to Bad Schlema in the eastern part of Germany.

We had been in vited to play at the 13th European Brass and Wind Band festival, joining bands from all over Europe including Finland, Holland, and Ireland.

The band gave 4 concerts over the weekend in addition to taking part in two parades. The band was brilliantly received ( see our guestbook) with crowds ( in excess of 3000 people) taken by the quality of the playing and with fantastic performances by our corps of drums which really brought the house down. The band will also be remembered for its electric finale of Carnival de paris which was played with such energy it always left the audience wanting more.

The Corps led by Tony Jackson looked exceptionally respendant in their uniforms and helmets and they spent the weekend being photographed here, there...... and everywhere.

The band were also delighted to have the opportunity to share the stage (and hotel) with the fantastic Dublin Concert band. A wonderful group of people and I dont think English/Irish relations have ever been stronger. The band members have also now been taught one or two new songs.... enough said.

Throughout the weekend the band received raptuous applause(even at 10 am in the morning) and we truly hope to be invited back at some time in the future.

A huge thank you to Stephan Richter and Diane Tischer for inviting the band.

Many more photos will be added soon but at this time the band are now busily preparing for their second consecutive appearence at the National Finals in Harrogate this forthcoming weekend ( 26th Sept).