The dream trip to represent England at the 2019 European Youth Championships is now just a matter of weeks away for the Lions Youth Band, after they confirmed to 4BR that they have reached their initial £25,000 target to get to Montreux in April.

Their amazing fund-raising activities will enable a group of 50 players and supporters (not forgetting MD, Nigel Birch), to travel by coach to Switzerland to enjoy what he said was going to be "an incredible experience for everyone."

Proud

Nigel was at the recent RNCM Brass Band Festival to enjoy the performance of the Foden's Youth Band, which also contained no less than six Lions players in its ranks.

"We are very proud to be associated with the Foden's Youth Band,"said. "It's an organisation that shares our outlook and gives great support to young players.

Although we have now reached our target without any funding from a representative body, we will continue to work hard to reduce the cost as much as possible.

We know Switzerland is an expensive country to visit, but we are determined to make it an incredible experience for everyone."

Wonderful

Foden's Youth Band co-ordinator Ian Raisbeck, himself a former member of Lions Youth Band, added: "It's a magnificent achievement by Lions to raise the money, and I wish I was still young enough to be able to join them there!

They are a wonderful organisation and we are delighted at Foden's to have been able to have supported their efforts."

Although we have now reached our target without any funding from a representative body, we will continue to work hard to reduce the cost as much as possibleNigel Birch

Brilliant trip

Two of the players that will make the trip are 16 year olds Leanne Smith and Amy Hext (above with Ian Raisbeck), who told 4BR that they couldn't wait to play on the stage of the huge Stravinski Auditorium.

"We've seen pictures on 4BR and it looks huge,"Leanne said. "I don't think any of the players have ever been to Switzerland so it's going to be a brilliant trip. Everyone has worked so hard to raise the money and we are not stopping just yet."

Amy added: "We've been practicing our programme with the help of the players and conductors at Foden's so it's great to be able to play with their Youth Band too. 'Sanctuary' is a great test-piece and we are all looking forward to playing it."

Admiration

Foden's MD Mike Fowles was also full of admiration for the Lions players. "I've enjoyed the link to Lions Youth for about 10 years now and I'm always amazed at the work Nigel Birch and his team undertake.

Their appetite to improve and enjoy themselves knows no bounds and I'm sure they will do themselves proud at the contest."