This weekend the Lewis Merthyr Band from south Wales will travel to Ostend in Belgium to perform in the 2019 International Taptoe Belgie (Belgian International Tattoo).

One of the largest events of its kind in Europe, the band will perform for over 12000 people across three performances at the Versluys Dome, alongside additional performing groups from Belgium, France, Netherlands and South Korea.

Welsh representation

Musical Director Craig Roberts told 4BR: "We're looking forward to what is the band's first overseas performance in many years, and to representing the Rhondda, Wales and the UK on an international scale in this fantastic event.

He added: "We're also delight to be joined by Yamaha artist and Tredegar Band euph star Martyn Patterson who will be our featured soloist and to be able to showcase some great brass band music to such a large audience with our friends of the Royal British Legion (Llanelli) Corps of Drums."

The visit is the first in a series of international projects in store for the band, with further international invitations having been received to perform in Russia and the USA over the next 18 months.

The visit is the first in a series of international projects in store for the band, with further international invitations having been received to perform in Russia and the USA over the next 18 months4BR

Performers

Additional performing groups featured on the weekend include the Republic of Korea Air Force Band and Song Misook Dance Troupe of South Korea; the Fanfare Bereden Wapens Band of the Netherlands; the International Massed Pipes & Drums and ITB Highland Dance Team, the Gymnastes des Pompiers de Paris and Musique des Pompiers de Paris of France, and the WIK Band of Belgium.