Following its first place finish at the recent ODBBA Entertainment Contest, Coleshill Youth Brass has just returned from a four day tour in Normandy.

Based at the beautiful Chateau Du Molay, the band played two well received concerts in Arromanches and Bayeux as well as taking the opportunity to have their picture taken on the seafront at Arromanches.

Eurovision and Elvis

A sizeable crowd then followed to the 'Salle des Fetes' for a concert that featured music taken from the band's last two successful entertainment programmes of 'Eurovision' and 'Elvis' as well as music to commemorate the wartime heritage of the region.

A member of the band, studying A-level French, was also able to practise their skills by assisting a local journalist writing a review of the concert.

Memorable experience

Speaking about the short tour the band stated: "The second concert in Bayeux was a truly memorable experience as we got to perform in the amazing acoustic of the church of St. Patrice.

This was inspiring music making, particularly in the accompanying of the band's three stand up soloists who produced some beautiful playing, warmly appreciated by the audience."

This was inspiring music making, particularly in the accompanying of the band's three stand up soloists who produced some beautiful playing, warmly appreciated by the audienceColeshill Youth Brass

Visits

As important as the music making was the cultural and social aspect which saw band members take trips to the Arromanches-Les-Bains World War Two sites and a fascinating visit to the Bayeux Tapestry.

There was also time to relax and enjoy themselves too with football and frisbee in the vast grounds of the Chateau followed by a band bowling session and karaoke.