Well over 1,000 children, educators, administrators and brass band lovers popped into experience the musical attractions of the Buffet Crampon Prodige instruments tour around the UK in the past fortnight.

With stop-offs from Stirling in Scotland to Amersham in south east England, the specially equipped tour van enabled people to experience first-hand, as well as in virtual reality, the full range of Prodige instruments — including the Besson brass range.

Huge success

"It's been a huge success,"UK & Ireland Sales Manager Euan Meikle told 4BR. "It's been a fantastic way to get out and meet people and find out what they want to get out of their music making."

He added: "The enthusiasm and the responses on show — especially from youngsters who had the opportunity to play on the Prodige instruments, but also take a virtual reality tour of the factory where they are made, was fantastic.

It was hectic and fun — and it was so good to also be able to link up with Besson stars such as Roger Webster, Michael Dodd, Chris Shanks and Chris Bradley as well as meeting inspirational figures such as John Barber, Paul Fisher and Mike Lovatt.

The positives of direct grass roots engagement are immense. It's been a joy."

Into Europe

The tour started on October 4th in Barnsley, before heading to Newcastle, Scotland and back down to the south east as well as taking in a visit to the National Finals at the Royal Albert Hall.

It will now head into Europe with stops in the Netherlands over the next week.