Eikanger Bjorsvik Musikklag enjoyed a wonderful welcome home at Bergen's Flesland airport after touching down from their flight from Brussels after being crowned European Champion in Oostende on the weekend.

Not only did they receive the congratulations led by the Mayor and over 200 supporters, many from fellow Norwegian bands who joined forces to form a special celebratory band, but the Boeing 737 plane they flew on was ushered into its landing gate by two airport fire engines spraying water over the fuselage.

Fantastic reception

Band Chairman Viggo Bjorge told 4BR: "We had a fantastic reception. The captain of the KLM flight congratulated us as we boarded and then told us that we would be having a special greeting when we landed.

It was amazing to be taxied in under an arch of water from the fire engines — it was like being doused in champagne!"

It was amazing to be taxied in under an arch of water from the fire engines — it was like being doused in champagne!Eikanger Chairman, Viggo Bjorge

National news

The arrival of the band brandishing the European trophy for the first time 1989 was featured on the main national news.

Viggo added: "When we came out of customs the arrivals hall was packed with supporters — led by the Mayor, television news crews, newspaper reporters and over 200 brass band supporters.

It was very humbling, especially as the band that played was made up of friends from Manger Musikklag, Oster, Bjørsvik Brass, local school bands and Krohnengen, who had just won a major domestic contest themselves — all conducted by the by Secretary General of the Norwegian Band Federation."

Video of the band's arrival can viewed at:
https://www.facebook.com/nrkhordaland/videos/10154758313814582/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE

Image: Erling Johnson/NRK