The Lydbrook Band has just returned from a memorable and moving trip to Belgium as part of its centenary celebrations.

The Forest of Dean Band set off with a party of 43 players and supporters for the short tour that included concert performances as well as a visit to the Tyne Cot War Memorial from their base in Blankenberge.

Honour

The first concert under MD Gareth Ritter was at the magnificent St. Michaels Church in Gent, where they provided an appreciative audience with a varied programme which included 'Shadow Cast by the Sun' written by composer-in-residence Liz Lane.

The following day they visited the Tyne Cot Cemetery where they paid their respects as well as performing the 'Last Post' in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Tyne Cot has over 11,000 First World War graves, 8,000 of which are of unknown soldiers.

Humble

In the evening the band was given the honour to take part in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate where they played the hymn tune 'St Ann', 'The British Legion March' and during the wreath laying ceremony, 'Only in Sleep'.

A spokesperson told 4BR: "All were humbled by the ceremony and those few minutes at the Menin Gate will be remembered by all for many years to come."

At both Tyne Cot and the Menin Gate the band were joined by the Chairman and Standard Bearer from the Lydbrook Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Tyne Cot has over 11,000 First World War graves, 8,000 of which are of unknown soldiers4BR

Wonderful way

The final concert of the tour took place the following day at the Astridpark Bandstand in Brugge allowing just enough time to enjoy the city.

The spokesperson added: "This was a such a wonderful way to mark the band's centenary and added to the list of overseas tours undertaken by the band which has now included South Africa and Zimbabwe, Lithuania and Latvia, Holland, Poland, Hungary and twice to Spain."