*
banner

From Biggleswade to Bruges makes for a memorable banding tour

Biggleswade Sea Cadet Marching Band enjoyed their recent tour to Belgium thanks to the expertise of Rayburn Tours.

Sea Cadets
  The Biggleswade Sea Cadet Marching Band certainly drew the crowds on their Belgian tour

Biggleswade Sea Cadet Marching Band recently enjoyed a wonderful tour to Belgium, where one of the highlights was their performance in the centre of the famous Bruges Market Square.

Cameras

Their appearance also brought an amazing stream of camera clutching tourists to watch them provide their display which concluded a memorable 5-day tour organised by Rayburn Band Tours.

One of their band members told 4BR: "It felt like the whole of Bruges had come out to hear us play!'

Impressive settings

The band couldn't have performed in a more picturesque setting, with the impressive Belfry Tower and the rows of traditional Belgian cafes lining the area. The warm reception the band received from on-lookers ensured the group ended their tour on a high.

As well as their Bruges finale, the tour included the honour of performing as part of the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate — a moving experience that will, as one band member commented, 'stay with the group for the rest of their lives'.

Opportunities

Aside from the band's performances in Ypres and Bruges, the Rayburn Turs ensured that the tour itinerary involved plenty of opportunity to soak up the culture and history of Belgium with a visit to the 'In Flanders Fields' museum in Ypres and the Castle of the Counts in Ghent.

As one band member added: "A band tour is a great way to give the kids the opportunity to travel to new places and provide them with these wonderful new experiences."

As well as their Bruges finale, the tour included the honour of performing as part of the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate4BR

More information:

For more information about a band tour to Belgium visit the Rayburn Tours website.

http://www.rayburntours.com/concert/bands/

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Presto CDs

Presto Music Collection: Six more to add to your playlist

January 1 • New and old CDs from David Childs and John Wilson to Black Dyke and Williams Fairey.


Richard Marshall

Marshall makes Riverside connection with baton

January 1 • Richard Marshall becomes part of the conducting team spearheading NASUWT Riverside in 2026.


RWCMD

New Year financial boost for RWCM&D

January 1 • The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama gains nearly two million pounds in funding to help provide its core delivery of performance based music and drama.


Presidential role for Dame Errollyn Wallen CBE

January 1 • The critically acclaimed composer has become the new President of The Royal Society of Musicians.


Newstead Brass - Brett Baker

Saturday 17 January • St Wilfrid's Church, . Kirkby-in-Ashfield NG17 8LA


The Hepworth Band - New Year Concert

Sunday 25 January • Christ Church, New Mill, Holmfirth HD9 7ER


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Friday 6 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: Norwegian National Brass Band Championships

Saturday 7 February • Grieghallen, Bergen, N-5015 N-5015


Contest: London & Southern Counties Regional Championships

Saturday 21 March • Arts & Leisure Centre, Lytton Way, Stevenage SG1 1LZ


Tintwistle Band

January 1 • We have a vacancy for an Eb bass player to complete our bass section.. We are looking forward to competing in the 2nd section Midlands area contest in March 2026.. We rehearse Monday&Thursday 8-10pm in our own bandroom under the baton of our MD Jim Henson.


Croy Silver Band

January 1 • Croy Silver Band currently has contest vacancies on Cornet and Percussion, but is always happy to accommodate enthusiastic new players in any section of the band.


Welwyn Garden City Band

December 30 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an eye on the 2026 Areas. We have vacancies for a FRONT ROW CORNET player and PERCUSSIONISTS.. Our MD is Will Douglas and we rehearse in Welwyn Garden City on Sunday evenings from 7.00-9.00pm.


Gordon Eddison

B Ed (Hons). Member AoBBA.
Conductor and Adjudicator.


               

 © 2026 4barsrest.com Ltd