The band set out early on Friday morning to head to Bickenbach near Frankfurt, Germany, to meet up and play in the hometown with our friends at Musikorps Bickenbach.

Following a disrupted coach journey across Europe, the band arrived late, but thanks to quick thinking of the organisers, we were rushed to dinner and then we're allowed ample time to prepare for the evenings joint concert. Playing to a local crowd (it seemed like the whole town had showed up!) the band were well received. After the band's own concert, we teamed up with Musikorps Bickenbach to perform a joint concert for the crowd which went down a storm. 

Considering the band had travelled over 15 hours that day, the after party of the concert which had been set up by our hosts was thoroughly deserved and enjoyed as such.

There was no time for respite though, as early on Saturday the band then headed out to the venue for that evenings tattoo. The usual plan as ahead of us, with the band practicing their own routine before then going on to rehearse with the rest of the participants for the spectacular massed bands. 

However, preparations were hampered as what could only be described as a biblical thunderstorm took hold of the town, which in turn flooded the arena and adjacent changing rooms. This did not deter the bands though, as a soon as the skies cleared we were straight back to work. 

The weather improved and allowed for a mostly dry tattoo, the local crowd voiced their appreciation for the band which was greatly received.

We'd like to thank our new friends at Musikorps Bickenbach for their hospitality and hope to be visiting again soon!