Portsmouth and Weymouth 2011

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After three years in Spain Lions Youth Brass returned to the traditional south coast English tour in 2011.

Concert Schedule

Concerts were as follows:
Sunday 24 July - Canoe lake Sea front near South Parade Portsmouth 11am and 2pm
Sunday 24 July - United Reformed Church, Milton Road Portsmouth 7pm
Monday 25 July - Greenhill Gardens Weymouth 3pm
Monday 25 July - Hope Square Weymouth 8pm
Tuesday 26 July - Freshwater Caravan Park Badstock 11am
Tuesday 26 July - Hive Beach Burton Badstock 2:30pm
Tuesday 26 July - Dorchester Dorford Centre 7:30pm
Wednesday 27 July - Lookout Cafe Bowlease Coveway 12pm
Wednesday 27 July - Easton Gardens Portland 3pm
Wednesday 27 July - Prince Regent Hotel Weymouth 7:30pm
Thursday 28 July - Telford Church 7:30pm
Friday 29 July - Wellington Town Centre 11am
Friday 29 July - Sandbach Girls School 7pm

Tour Diary

Saturday 23rd July

Tour 2011 began at 6am on Saturday 23rd July and a Coach Journey to our first host venue of the tour, Portsmouth. With a very smooth journey featuring no traffic problems we arrived in Portsmouth in time to get settled in and have some lunch before the band set to work with an afternoon rehearsal for the numerous concerts that would follow.

With the evening free (the only time this would happen!), the band were lead to Southsea for some sight seeing and free time around the sea front.

Sunday 24th July

The band began their concert schedule with two performances in Southsea for Portsmouth Lions; after three years in sunny Spain any fear of a soggy British weather was quashed as the sun came out and stayed out all week allowing the band to play at all of the planned outdoor venues.

In exchange for the concerts the band were provided with a meal courtesy of the Portsmouth Lions before heading back to the United Reformed Church (which had also provided our accommodation) to provide our final concert in Portsmouth. The excellent acoustics enabled the band to show its full potential to an appreciative audience.

Monday 25th July

Only just into the tour and we were on the move; Monday morning was spent packing up and moving to Weymouth where we would spend the next 3 days. This time there was no settling in time as the band was straight into a performance at Greenhill Gardens overlooking the spectacular coastline at Weymouth.

Following a well deserved ice cream we were off back to our accommodation at the Westfield's Arts College where we were able to unpack and have our tea.

The evening concert took place in the picturesque surroundings of Hope Square near the harbour at Weymouth. A crowd gradually built as the sounds of the band were heard around the harbour.

Some of the locals even joined Jane as she held the Music Stand for soloists!

Tuesday 26th July

Tuesday saw the band performing three times, in three different venues. First up was the entertainment centre at a Caravan Park in Badstock; again, an audience grew as the sounds of the band made their way through the caravans and by the end those who made their way up to hear the band were well rewarded by the one hour concert.

After a quick lunch break it was straight back onto the coach for the very short journey around to the popular Hive Beach. Once again the band found themselves playing in front of the sea with spectacular views and a large audience.

With two concerts done and one remaining it was back to base for a well deserved break and our tea before we prepared for the final performance of the day in Dorchester.

What followed has since been described as one of the best performances by Lions Youth Brass in their 21 year history. A superb acoustic, combined with all sections of the band performing to their highest ability and some sublime soloist contributions resulted in a very special performance which was rewarded with a standing ovation from the large audience. At the end of a very long day this left a very good feeling amongst the band as we headed back looking forward to another busy day.

Wednesday 27th July

Our final day of concerts on the south coast saw another busy day of three performances. A trip onto the cliffs to perform at the Lookout Cafe got the day going, with views of Weymouth and Portland in the background it was yet another picturesque venue for a concert.

For the second performance we travelled to Portland, venue of the 2012 Olympic Sailing, to perform in the centre of the town. There was even time for a short detour to visit Portland Bill!

The final performance in Weymouth was at the Prince Regent Hotel for Weymouth Lions. The historic ballroom was full with an audience many of whom had heard the band playing outdoors and been encouraged to attend the final formal concert before we headed north.

Thursday 28th July

Thursday morning saw us packing up and readying ourselves for the journey up to Telford. After a hectic few days the band were able to spend some time around the Weymouth sea front enjoying the beach and surrounding shops before jumping onto the coach for the long trip north.

Telford Lions have hosted concerts towards the end of tours several times over the past 20 years; once again they provided accommodation and a superb concert venue for the band. Following the journey there was just time for a quick fish and chip tea before heading to the venue for another successful performance.

Friday 29th July

And so the final day of Tour 2011 arrived. The morning saw the final pack up and move before the short trip into Wellington for a short concert in the town centre.

The busy schedule had seen very few opportunities for free time and biggest request from the band had been swimming. So with a few hours before the final meal LYB tour stopped off at Crewe Swimming Baths to allow the band some time to fulfil their favourite pastime!

A meal followed at the Bulls Head in Smallwood before setting up at Sandbach Girls School for the traditional 'end of tour concert'. And there was no disappointment whatsoever as the band delivered another memorable performance showing their parents and local supporters exactly how they had represented the organisation over the past week.

As usual, a number of awards were given out, and there was an emotional end to the year for those who have reached the 'retirement age' of 18/19. One thing is for certain, the class of 2011 produced some stunning performances and the spirit of togetherness that has made Lions Youth Brass what it is over the past 21 years

Group Photo's

A formal group shot

Players pose with Mayoress of Telford and President of Telford Lions

The Band at Weymouth Sea front

A full picture gallery of over 200 photos and several videos can be viewed at www.photobucket.com/lionsyouthbrass

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