Durham University Brass Band has just returned from a memorable tour to Belgium, organised with the specialised expert help of Rayburn Tours.

With stops in the vibrant cities of Bruges, Ghent, Ostend and Kortrijk, the band enjoyed a true taste of Belgium over the course of their 4-day trip — literally, if the Belgian beer, chocolate and waffles were taken into consideration!

Brilliant sunshine

After catching the Dover to Calais ferry the group enjoyed a fantastic visit — thankfully graced with brilliant sunshine throughout as they first explored the beautiful city of Ghent and its wonderful canals.

In Ostend they performed a concert at Wapenplein Bandstand in the heart of the city where they delighted locals and cafe-goers, whilst in Bruges the group enjoyed a chocolate making demonstration, complete with tasting, before giving a great concert in the coastal town of De Panne.

Free beer

Such was the success that the band was offered free celebratory drinks at a local bar — a token of the locals' generosity!

The final morning was spent hunting for Belgian waffles in the centre of Kortrijk and squeezing in last-minute souvenir shopping before beginning the journey home, although they took the time to stop off en-route at the Tyne Cot Cemetery to show their respects for the lives lost in the Ypres Salient during the First World War.

Not disappointed

Durham University Brass Band Leader, Abi Groocock told 4BR: "As a student led group, the most important things for us are the safety of our members, the ability to enjoy the tour and a smooth organisation process. Thanks to Rayburn Tours we were not disappointed."

Awesome

In response, Rayburn Concert Tour team member, Alison Fox, who accompanied the group on their tour as a courier added: "I had a thoroughly enjoyable time on tour with Durham because each and every one of the band were so enthusiastic and passionate about their music.

They gave great performances in glorious sunshine topped with a canal cruise and a visit to the Chocostory — so it was simply awesome."

As a student led group, the most important things for us are the safety of our members, the ability to enjoy the tour and a smooth organisation process. Thanks to Rayburn Tours we were not disappointedAbi Groocock

Next trip

Such was the success of the trip that the band is now considering their next tour to Barcelona or Germany — working once again with Rayburn Tours.

For more information:

For more information on band tour destinations, visit: http://www.rayburntours.com/concert/

Or call: 01332 527756