Trumpet trills and pulsing percussion rang out in Bruges Market Square on Thursday, inviting a sudden stream of camera clutching tourists to watch Biggleswade Sea Cadet Marching Band’s magnificent display. This spectacular performance concluded the band’s 5-day tour in Belgium and what a finale! We spoke with one of the band members after their performance who commented: ‘it felt like the whole of Bruges had come out to hear us play!’
The band couldn’t have performed in a more picturesque setting, with the impressive Belfry Tower looking over and the rows of traditional Belgian cafes lining the square’s streets. The buzz about the square and the warm reception the band received from on-lookers ensured the group ended their tour on a high.
As well as their Bruges finale, a particularly memorable moment for the band was the opportunity to perform 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’.
Aside from the band’s performances in Ypres and Bruges, the tour itinerary involved plenty of opportunity to soak up the culture and history of Belgium with a visit to In Flanders Fields museum in Ypres and the Castle of the Counts in Ghent. One member of the band commented: ‘a band tour is a great way to give the kids the opportunity to travel to new places and give them these new experiences’.
For more information about a band tour to Belgium head over to our website!