Orchid City Brass Band - UK tour

The itinerary is the starting point to your tour, but it’s not set in stone. Your group leader may make changes leading up to departure.

Day 1, Tuesday June 10: Overnight Flight

Departure from the United States.

Day 2, Wednesday June 11: Manchester

On arrival at Manchester airport, meet your tour manager and transfer to your hotel in the city center. Dinner is provided tonight in your hotel or a nearby restaurant. (B,D)

Day 3, Thursday June 12: Manchester

After breakfast this morning, you will be able to rehearse in one of the local 'band-rooms' as well as practising your marching skills in the parking lot! Following your rehearsal, explore the rich tradition of music in the North West of England by visiting the Beatles Museum and the British Music Experience in Liverpool. Return to Manchester for an independent dinner (B)

Day 4, Friday June 13: Manchester

After breakfast, take the short coach journey to Saddleworth and Oldham to take part in one of the oldest brass band traditions in the world, the Whit Friday marches. At the end of the day transfer back to your hotel; dinner tonight is independent. (B)

Day 5, Saturday June 14: London

After breakfast board your coach and depart for the journey south east towards the capital city. En route visit the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon and the birthplace of the Bard, William Shakespeare. Continue to your hotel in central London and enjoy a group dinner together tonight (B,D)

Day 6, Sunday June 15: London

This morning after breakfast take a trip just outside London to participate in a workshop/masterclass with a local brass band. Optional sightseeing opportunities are available for your non-performing participants. Later perform a joint concert with your hosts to showcase your work from today! (B)

Day 7, Monday June 16: London

Following breakfast, take a panoramic tour of London on board your coach with a licensed London Blue Badge Guide. Pay a visit to the Albert Hall, host venue to the English National Brass Band Championships, and take a tour of this iconic building. Later there may be an opportunity to perform your final concert on Embankment Gardens famous bandstand, just a stone's throw from the Thames and Trafalgar Square (band personnel and equipment dependent). If a performance is not possible, other options include - indulge in some band-related retail therapy at London's home of brass instruments, Phil Parker's - Take a trip on the London Eye for a bird's eye view of the city - Visit the Handel and Hendrix house museum, where both musical geniuses lived three centuries apart Celebrate your successful visit to the spiritual home of banding with a farewell dinner! (B,D)

Day 8, Tuesday June 17: Departure

Transfer to the airport for return flight to the United States.