We’re going to Hungary!
Thursday 25th – Monday 29th July 2024

The Lewisham Concert Band has finalised details for its 2024 tour. We’re on our way to Hungary to perform a concert in Budapest sharing billing with the XXX Hungarian band and then on to Lake Balaton to join musicians from all over the world at the Balatonkeresztúr International Brass Band Meeting. This includes concerts on the main stage as well as pop-up performances throughout the town. It’s all capped off by a massed-bands session in the lake itself!

Tour schedule

Thursday 25th July
Morning – arrive Budapest
Afternoon – rehearsal with XXXX
Evening – joint concert at XXXX with XXXX Hungarian band

Friday 26th July
Morning – travel by coach from Budapest to lake Balaton
Afternoon – free time and maybe a chance for a quick rehearsal too
Evening – concert on the main stage at the lake Balaton Band Festival

Saturday 27th July
Morning – pop-up performances throughout the town
Afternoon – concert on the main stage at the lake Balaton Band Festival
Evening – grand concert on the main stage

Sunday 28th July
Morning – free time
Afternoon – head for the lake for a massed-bands concert, waist deep in water!
Evening – farewell dinner

Monday 29th July
Travel by coach from lake Balaton to Budapest
Flight home

How to book:

The tour is open to Band Members and invited guests.

More information for journalists

Quote from John Hargreaves, Musical Director, LCB:
“Lewisham Concert Band is famous for its performances throughout the UK and abroad. Every year we try to organise an overseas trip for our Members and guests. Previous tours have included concerts in Ireland, Iceland and Germany. We performed at the Lake Balaton Band Festival before the pandemic and have decided to return because it’s a chance to meet musicians from around the world and the massed-bands concert in the lake is a unique event that’s not to be missed!

XXXX Hungarian Band:
Brief description here.
Website: link

Budapest Venue information
Brief description here.
Website: link

The Balatonkeresztúr International Brass Band Meeting
Band music has been part of the village of Balatonmáriafürdő for nearly 40 years. The Balatonkeresztúr International Brass Band Meeting is the biggest and oldest brass band meeting in Hungary. It attracts brass and woodwind ensembles from all over the world to a fun festival that has become an event attracting many tourists and visitors to the area.
Website: Balatonkeresztúr International Brass Band Meeting

The Lewisham Concert Band and John Hargreaves:
LCB is one of London’s top community wind bands, comprising both professional and high-standard amateur musicians. Founded in 1967 and conducted for many years by the late Joseph Proctor, the Lewisham Concert Band soon found fame for its numerous BBC Radio 2 broadcasts during the '70s and '80s on Friday Night is Music Night and Listen to the Band. Today, under the musical direction of John Hargreaves, the band performs throughout the year, both in formal concert settings and summer bandstands and festivals. John studied conducting with Rob Wiffin, Denise Ham, George Hurst, Peter Stark, and John Landor. He has conducted the Lewisham Concert Band since 2016. He has also worked with choral societies, local theatre companies, and other bands and orchestras in the SE area. John has directed the National Festival Orchestra many times at the Buxton Opera House and Harrogate Royal Hall, and more recently, worked with the London Mozart Players. John studied percussion with Graham Johns (RLPO), and still plays regularly. He performs with XBY Concert Band in National and International competitions, including the World Music Contest (2001-2022). As a jazz/big band/rock drummer, John has led bands at 100 club, Brecon Jazz festival, Festival Hall, Fairfield Halls, summer festivals, and the London gig circuit. He is a member of Trans-Siberian March Band and Route 66.
Email: LewishamConcertBandGigManager@gmail.com
Websites: www.LewishamConcertBand.com