Combined Bands Tour to Belgium, August 2025
Some comments from people on the tour
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I’ve done and seen a lot over 35 years of banding, but the recent trip has got to be up there as one of the best for the experience.
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I’m not a regular member – I came for the last few rehearsals and the tour – and can honestly say that my wife and I enjoyed every minute of it.
The standard of playing was high to begin with, and became steadily higher.
One tuba and one drum kit to fit into two small lifts in the hotel.
Three concerts.
Four dozen or so people to make new friends with.
Organisation was meticulous, right down to beers on the beach after playing in the bandstand in Ostend.
Thank you, Charnwood Concert Bands!
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This was my first ever such tour/ adventure and it was a great experience. I would certainly wish to repeat the venture.
It was great to get to know other band members socially, with laughs all the way. Wonderful social interaction within the group with everyone helping each other. Very relaxed atmosphere. We were all there to put on performances and to enjoy ourselves. Roll on the next one.
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The tour is great for getting to know other members of the band outside of your section that you wouldn’t normally have chance to chat to
Great to travel, socialize and play with such a great bunch of people
Can’t wait for the next tour!
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The anticipation of over a year was certainly worth the wait. Antwerp, Bruges and Brussels are beautiful cities, and I will definitely go back to spend more time there, with my husband in tow.
At the first rehearsal we felt like two bands, but we very quickly became one, with everyone looking out for each other.
The churches for the concerts were amazing. In Bruges our audience was supplemented by a family of bats flying around above us – which added to the ambiance and amusement.