Germany - Loreley Tattoo

by Sergeant Rachael Newman

After a summer of competitions and different performances, the band set off for their final trip away this year, to Germany. After a quick rehearsal at the band hall, we loaded onto the coach and left for Calais. The journey took nine hours in total, which was significantly shorter than the journey to France… Thankfully! We arrived at the venue on Saturday morning. The coach was unloaded and the we went straight to rehearse for the performance later that day.

As the sun fell the show started, being kicked off by a local fanfare band, at The Rock in Loreley.  A large variety of acts performed in the first half, including pipe and drum bands, show bands and scottish dancers. We were the first act of the second half and performed the same routine as we had done in our competitions  earlier this year. This time, although we were not competing, we were still under considerable pressure as it was our biggest audience and we were the only youth marching band in attendance. The band, as spectators said, 'stole the show' and we received a huge round of applause. There was a huge buzz within the band as we marched off to The Happy Wanderer with the crown singing along.

The rest of the bands came on for the massed band performance and played pieces including Highland Cathedral, Amazing Grace and the German National Anthem. The show overall was amazing and was put to an end with a fantastic fireworks display.

Our visit to Germany was a short one but the Loreley Tattoo was by far one of the best Tattoo's that the band has taken part in. A very fun-filled and enjoyable weekend for all!!