Encouraging the ambitions of young musicians and providing them with special performance opportunities is at the heart of what we do. As singers and musicians ourselves, we’re dedicated to creating unforgettable, international concert tours for youth and school groups. With a range of inspiring destinations and spectacular venues to choose from, we’ll work with you to create a tour that meets all your musical needs, as well as let you experience the local culture to its full. From the UK, to Spain, Italy and even the USA – the world is your oyster! Why not explore all our destinations, just perfect for youth groups, and prepare to be inspired…
Are you an adult music group? This area is specifically designed with youth groups in mind, so why not take a look at our extensive range of destinations perfect for adults?
We’re celebrating 60 years!
In celebration of our 60th anniversary, Rayburn Tours is delighted to offer our customers the chance to win ‘£60 off per person’ for your next group or school tour! This prize will be awarded three times, with a Spring, Summer, and Autumn Prize Draw each offering a chance to win.
This giveaway is just one of the many ways we’re celebrating our legacy, whilst also looking ahead to the future, with our loyal customers at the heart of it all!
Discover more
Why we’re specialists for…
Choirs
We’re well accustomed to the needs of choirs and offer a variety of inspiring destinations perfectly suited for choral groups. From prestigious cathedrals and churches to beautiful parks and gardens, we have a range of stunning venues to suit any repertoire, where the acoustics, stage size and venue type are perfectly matched to your choir.
Bands
Whether you’re a concert, brass or jazz band, we can tailor a tour to suit all musical styles. We understand the needs of bands, which is why we’ll recommend the most appropriate way to transport and store your instruments, with the option of hiring them out. From quaint bandstands and colonnades to lively jazz clubs and market squares, we’ve handpicked the best venues that are perfect for bands.
Orchestras
From bustling market squares and scenic bandstands to beautiful churches, we offer a range of superb venues and destinations that are tailored to orchestras. With school music trips, we know how important your instruments are, which is why we’ll recommend the most suitable way to transport and store them, with the alternative option of hiring them out.
Instrument Hire
Prefer to leave your instruments at home? We can hire the instruments you require so they’re ready and waiting for you!
Venues
Whatever your sound and style, we cater for all types of youth ensembles and offer a host of spectacular performance venues that perfectly match your ensemble’s repertoire.
Publicity
We work with tourist boards, venues and online outlets to publicise your concerts on your behalf, as well as create and distribute eye-catching leaflets and posters to help gather you an audience.
All the added extras…
Tour Managers
A Tour Manager can provide on-hand support and ensure your trip runs smoothly, making your life that little bit easier.
We've got you covered!
For your financial security, you must have insurance when travelling with us, whether it be your own or the insurance we provide through Aviva. We highly recommend our insurance because it’s tailored specifically for school groups and offers cover for Covid related cancellation and curtailment.
Instrument Transportation
We work closely with airlines and coaches, which means we’re able to outline their policies in the very early planning stages, so you know your much-loved instruments will be carefully transported.
FAQ’s
- What sort of venues can you book for my group?
We work with a wide range of venues – including cathedrals, outdoor bandstands, town squares, tourist attractions, retirement homes and shopping centres. The sort of venue we book depends on many elements, including your chosen destination, time of year, repertoire and staging requirements, among others. The more information you can give us about your group and your expectations, the better we can match your group with the most suitable venue.
- How do we get an audience for our concerts?
Rayburn Tours promotes your performances through a variety of tailored publicity efforts. Where appropriate, we collaborate with tourist boards, venues, and online media to maximise concert attendance. Additionally, we design and distribute eye-catching promotional materials, including printed flyers and posters (where required), along with digital versions for online distribution. Extra flyers are also provided to group leaders and Tour Managers for on-the-day promotion. To further enhance visibility, we encourage groups to actively promote their performances on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
- Transport options – How can we travel?
There are different ways to travel, whether by air, coach or rail for a concert tour- depending on your needs. Consider how much equipment you have and the easiest way to transport it whilst out on tour. If you are taking instruments or other equipment on your concert trip, check out our instrument transportation blog!
- What type of accommodations are available to us?
We offer a range of 3* and 4* hotels and hostels to suit your group’s needs. Options include multi-bedded, twin, double, and single rooms, ensuring flexibility for all travellers. All accommodations include a delicious breakfast, so you can start your day energised and ready for your programme of performances and excursions. We can also include packed lunches and evening meals (taken either at your accommodation or in local restaurants), all to suit your requirements.
- Can you provide a Tour Manager from Rayburn Tours?
Yes, we can include a Tour Manager at your request for an additional cost. Your Tour Manager will be either a member of the Rayburn Tours team or an external professional who, where needed, will speak the local language to ensure your tour runs smoothly from start to finish.
- What is a Tour Manager?
A Tour Manager is here to help you with logistics while on tour. They help you to check in to your hotel, liaise with concert venue organisers to ensure your performances run smoothly, distribute flyers to the public, and coordinate travel to and from each destination. A Tour Manager is there to support you every step of the way during your tour.
- Do we need performance permits?
Some venues do require a performance permit, particularly for outdoor performances. However, our Rayburn Tours concert experts will take care of this when arranging your concerts.
- Is there somewhere we can store our instruments?
Where possible we can arrange additional storage for instruments and equipment at your accommodation. Please ensure you request this when you first enquire with us, so that we can advise you accordingly.
- Do we offer tours to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe?
Yes! Your group could take part in the world’s biggest arts festival, with your group’s name featured in the official programme! Check out our Edinburgh Fringe page for more information.
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The Sustainability Hub
Do you want to see the green wins we’ve already put into place to better serve Earth? Then check out your Sustainability Hub which shows what we’ve done so far and what’s coming next.
Find out moreFAQs
- What should students pack for school music tours?
Here are some of the essentials that students should bring on school choir tours (please note that some items are seasonal):
Travel documents:
- Passport
- Visa (if required)
- GHIC card
Clothing:
- Socks
- Underwear
- Tshirts
- Shorts/trousers
- Waterproof coat
- Jumper
- Pyjamas
- Outfits for downtime/ evening meal
- Appropriate footwear
Personal care
- Toiletries- shampoo, bodywash, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, sanitary products
- Medication
Environmental protection items
- SPF
- Hat/cap
- Lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Woolly hat
- Scarf
- Gloves
- Thermal layers
Other
- Chargers for electrical devices
- Plug adapters
- Card games
- Book
- Portable gaming device
