Tewit Silver Band's inaugural French tour has been hailed a huge success after 28 players and supporters aged between 9 and 74 travelled to Bagneres-de-Luchon, Midi-Pyrenees to participate in their Fete des Fleurs.

In response to the wonderful hospitality led by the Mayor of Luchon, the band produced outstanding performances.

Free time

Free time was spent discovering the natural beauty of the surrounding area and included a cable car trip, time in the swimming pool and, of course, sampling a few of the local bars.

The events, including the band's participation in their first ever march contest lasted over three days, although the undoubted highlight was their participation in the 'Defile du Corso Fleuri'.

Exhilarating

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "Although at times it felt like a marathon in the 40 degree heat, it was a truly exhilarating experience.

The floats made from flowers were magnificent and the crowds loved our entertainment — often asking us to stop and play mid-march! At one point the people on one lading float jumped off to dance around us.

Although at times it felt like a marathon in the 40 degree heat, it was a truly exhilarating experienceTewit Silver Band.

Thanks

They added: "We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our friends in Luchon who made us feel so welcome and who provided our accommodation and food.

Thanks also go to the Harrogate Town Twinning committee for their support (especially Dennis Richards) that enabled us to represent Harrogate in this way and the Mayor of the Borough for his support of the band and the event."

The band is now looking forward to working towards their appearance at the Fourth Section National Finals at Cheltenham.