Tredegar has just returned home from a busy weekend of high profile concert performances in Utrecht and London, where they received tremendous receptions from audiences for their renowned brand of brass band entertainment.

Utrecht and London

The band first headed to the Dutch National Championship in Utrecht, where they provided a Saturday afternoon gala concert for the audience at the Tivoli Vredenburg Hall, before also giving an impromptu open-air concert in front of the city's town hall.

After enjoying a great post-contest night in the company of many new Dutch friends and fans they then embarked on an early Sunday morning flight from Amsterdam back to Stanstead airport.

Dynamo

On touchdown they were bussed to the famous Old Vic Theatre to start rehearsals for their part in the first Variety Night concert at the venue alongside singer/songwriter Tim Minchin and stars such as the incredible magician Dynamo (above).

Fantastic experience

"It was a fantastic experience,"MD, Ian Porthouse told 4BR. "The band undertook the Dutch trip themselves following the decision not to compete at the Brass in Concert Championship. The players raised the funds, organised the logistics and had a wonderful time thanks to a great welcome from our Dutch hosts.

The Old Vic performance was an added bonus — something that only came to fruition a few weeks ago thanks to the support of new Artistic Director Matthew Warchus who wanted us to be part of the evening.

All that and we heard the news that our latest CD release 'Dark Arteries' had won the CD of the Year award from Brass Band World magazine."

to be able to play our own set and then round off the evening playing with Tim Minchin on what will be the main song from his new musical 'Groundhog Day' was memorable to say the least!Ian Porthouse

Memorable

Ian added: "Tickets for the night cost over £140 — but it was sold out in just two hours, so to be able to play our own set and then round off the evening playing with Tim Minchin on what will be the main song from his new musical 'Groundhog Day' was memorable to say the least!

We only wish we could take up his to accompany him when the show opens on a 3 month Broadway run next year!"