Stalybridge Old Band recently visited Champagnole in the Jura region of France to help celebrate their twin town's Spring Carnival.

Wined and dined

The band were wined and dined by the town twinning committee and mayor Clement Pernot, and in return they gave an evening concert in the 'Salle le Rex' — the King’s Hall, together with the Batterie Fanfare Band of Champagnole.

The band were wined and dined by the town twinning committee and mayor Clement Pernot, and in return they gave an evening concert in the 'Salle le Rex' — the King’s Hall4BR

Champers

The following afternoon, following a four course lunch with champagne, wine and beer, they were chosen to lead the carnival parade, whilst the same evening they joined by a German fanfare band from Gottmadingen and an Alsatian Bier Keller band for a farewell concert.

The short tour ended with embraces and farewells to their wonderful hosts and an invitation to return next year.