Durham Miners Association Band is looking forward to their forthcoming tour to Germany, where they will perform a number of concerts over four days in and around Wesel in the North Rhine-Westphalia region.

The town is the regional capital and was chosen as it is twinned with County Durham, with the surrounding area having many geographic as well as historic similarities to South Hetton, where the band practices.

Musical Director Stuart Gray has been busy planning an exciting programme for the 30-strong ensemble which includes everything from local north east favourites such as 'Blaydon Races' to the theme from 'Game of Thrones'.

The band will also round off their tour with a performance at Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site4BR.

Civic reception

In preparation Durham's secretary Heather Ward has been working closely with the International Relations Department of Durham Council to ensure their trip runs smoothly and which will see them represent the region at a special civic reception
at a former Miners Hall in Dinslaken, sightseeing trips and, of course, the obligatory tour of a local brewery!

The band will also round off their tour with a performance at Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site (above).