MEMBERS of a popular brass band in Cirencester are excited to announce their plans for a busy summer of music and friendship.
Cirencester Band's twin band in North Germany called Oelixdorfer Musikzug - which is based in the village of Oelixdorf on the edge of Itzehoe - will be visiting the Cotswold capital in August.
Oelixdorfer Musikzug is a concert band which uses flutes, clarinets and saxophones plus a range of brass instruments.
The repertoire of the Musikzug is a mixture of traditional German marches, waltzes and polkas together with arrangements of popular songs, German chart hits and film theme tunes.
Since the first exchange in 1978 the two bands have met on 20 different occasions with the bands taking it in turns to host the meeting.
Many enduring friendships have been cultivated during these trips.
The last trip took place in July 2018 when Oelixdorfer Musikzug visited Cirencester.
Cirencester Band planned to visit Itzehoe in August 2020 but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Members of Cirencester Band are excited to welcome Oelixdorfer Musikzug back this summer from Saturday, August 12 until Sunday, August 20.
A week of activities will take place during this time period including day trips, joint rehearsals and concerts.
The main event will be the Concert of Friendship on Friday, August 18 in Cirencester Parish Church where both bands will play separately and then together.
Entry is free and doors open at 7pm.
Refreshments will be served in the short interval (cash only) and there will be a raffle.
There will also be the opportunity to hear both bands play on Sunday, August 13 between 2.30pm - 4.30pm at the Abbey Grounds Bandstand in Cirencester as part of Bands In The Park 2023 programme.
Oelixdorfer Musikzug will also be playing between 11am - 12pm on Saturday, August 19 in the Market Place, Cirencester.
Chairman of Cirencester Band Pamela Carter said: "We are very much looking forward to hosting our friends from Oelixdorfer Musikzug again this year.
"The week will be a fantastic opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones whilst celebrating 45 years of friendship.
"Our joint concert on Friday, August 18 in Cirencester Parish Church will highlight that music can bring people of all ages and nationalities together.
"We hope that the people of Cirencester will come along and support us and help make our guests feel welcome.”
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