Music Tour to Jersey

2022 Jersey Music Tour- what a way to start the summer holidays! On Tuesday 19th July, 26 WGS musicians packed their suitcases full of sheet music, put on their matching blue tour hoodies and boarded the (thankfully air conditioned) coach mid-heatwave to travel to Heathrow airport. After a short flight across the English Channel we landed in Jersey, where it was around 28 degrees – this perfect summer weather continued for the whole trip!

With only one missing suitcase (unlucky Bernard), we arrived at Château Vermont, which is home to the Jersey School of Music and was our home for the week. Following a busy travel day getting saxophones and violins through Heathrow airport security, we spent our first evening playing football and relaxing, preparing for the busy week of rehearsals and performances ahead.

After a morning rehearsal on Wednesday, Bernard was reunited with his suitcase and we all headed to the Howard Davis Park where we performed our first concert in the bandstand. Strings, Big Band and Flute Choir were just some of the ensembles – a particular highlight was Chamber Choir’s highly appropriate performance of ‘We’re All Going on a Summer Holiday’. We spent the afternoon at Jersey Zoo then headed back to the Château, clutching our gift shop purchases including Jersey fudge, flamingo key rings and several fluffy gorillas.

We spent Thursday at Mont Orgueil Castle exploring the castle and climbing a lot of spiral staircases. A few of us really entered into the medieval spirit by dressing up as knights and princesses! We replaced our horses, swords and princess dresses with instruments for the afternoon as we performed our second concert in the castle. We then walked down to Gorey beach, where we paddled in the sea and enjoyed some well-deserved ice creams. That evening at the Chateau we enjoyed a ‘Jersey themed dinner experience’. There were definitely mixed opinions on the nettle soup and Jersey crock (bean stew), but everyone enjoyed the Black Butter cheesecake!

Friday was our big concert day. After a morning in St Helier doing some sightseeing and shopping, we returned to the Château for a final rehearsal. The concert was a huge success- we were joined by members of the Jersey Music School and live streamed the concert to friends and family at home. 

We said goodbye to the Château on Saturday morning after a memorable final evening which started off with a very competitive game of rounders and ended with a sing song round the piano – classic music tour! Our last day involved crazy golf, which was somehow even more competitive than rounders, followed by an afternoon at Le Port beach, enjoying a meal at the Watersplash restaurant before our flight back to Heathrow.

Massive thanks to all the staff for taking us, Mrs Cuthbert for her flawless organisation. It was a great experience and an unforgettable trip!

Lucy and Beth