The National Band Three Countries Tour: 24–31 July 2026
Our tour was a truly unforgettable experience, filled with music, performances, sightseeing, friendship and plenty of laughter. From poignant moments of remembrance at some of the most significant First World War memorials to exciting performances across Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany, every day brought something different.
Friday–Sunday: Raywell Park
Our tour began on Friday evening with a meet-up at Raywell Park. This gave everyone the opportunity to arrive, settle in and prepare for the busy days ahead.
Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to rehearsals, with two full days of practice and preparation. It was a valuable opportunity for everyone to work together, develop our performance and ensure we were ready for the tour ahead.
Saturday evening brought some team games, which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The activities helped bring the group together, creating a positive and relaxed atmosphere.
On Sunday evening, the band enjoyed a traditional chippy tea at a local restaurant before returning to Raywell Park to tidy and clean the accommodation in preparation for our early departure the following morning.
Monday: Travel, Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Menin Gate 
Our coach arrived at 1:30am and, like the organised, well-oiled machine that we are, we had all our luggage, instruments and equipment loaded, and every band member on board, within just 40 minutes.
Our journey to Dover went smoothly, and we arrived at the port at around 8am. After completing passport and border checks, we boarded the ferry to Calais and officially began our European adventure.
Our first stop was Tyne Cot Cemetery in Belgium, the largest Commonwealth war cemetery in the world. Nearly 12,000 soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War are buried there, many of them unidentified, while the memorial walls bear the names of almost 35,000 more who have no known grave.
Standing on the former battlefield of Passchendaele, the cemetery provides a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifice made by so many. Walking among the rows of white headstones was a deeply moving and humbling experience, bringing the history of the First World War into sharp focus.
Monday evening brought another particularly special and memorable occasion, as we were honoured to perform at the Menin Gate during the Last Post Ceremony in Ypres.
The Menin Gate Memorial commemorates more than 54,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient during the First World War and have no known grave. Performing beneath this iconic memorial, surrounded by so much history and remembrance, was a truly moving experience and a privilege for everyone involved.
Before taking part in the ceremony, we held our own short service. The names of all CLB members listed on the memorial were read aloud, followed by the Brigade Prayer. It was a poignant and meaningful moment as we remembered those who had gone before us.
Tuesday: Walibi Theme Park
After the solemnity of Monday, Tuesday provided everyone with the opportunity to relax and enjoy some well-deserved free time.
We spent a brilliant day at Walibi Theme Park, making the most of the rides and attractions and, most importantly, spending time together. There was plenty of laughter, smiles and friendly fun throughout the day, creating some fantastic memories.
The day was made even more special as we celebrated Abbie’s birthday, giving us another reason to celebrate and enjoy our time together.
Wednesday: Three Countries Maze and Aachen
Wednesday was another busy and exciting day, with two performances at very different but equally memorable locations.
Our first stop was the Three Countries Maze (Drielandenpunt), where we had the incredible experience of performing at the point where three countries meet.
There was something particularly special about sharing our music in such a unique location. Surrounded by visitors from around the world, beautiful scenery and the distinctive atmosphere of this iconic landmark, it was certainly a performance to remember.
We then travelled to Aachen, where we had the pleasure of performing at the Rotunde am Elisenbrunnen, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
From the first note to the last, it was wonderful to be part of the lively atmosphere and to see people stopping to listen and enjoy the music. The Elisenbrunnen has welcomed visitors for generations, and it was an honour to add our own small chapter to its story.
Experiences such as these are a wonderful reminder of why we love what we do: bringing people together through music in unique and memorable places.
Wednesday evening continued with a fun-filled sports night. The evening was packed with friendly competition, energetic games and plenty of laughs. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to relax, let off some steam and enjoy each other’s company.
Thursday: Hoensbroek Castle, Maastricht and a Memorable Finale 
Thursday morning began with a visit to the beautiful Hoensbroek Castle.
Steeped in history and surrounded by stunning architecture, the castle provided plenty to explore. From its impressive towers and grand halls to its picturesque grounds, every corner offered something fascinating to discover. It was a wonderful experience and another opportunity to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
We then travelled to Maastricht, where we performed at the fantastic Onze Lieve Vrouweplein.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of one of Maastricht’s most iconic squares, we had a wonderful time sharing our music and enjoying the atmosphere. It was fantastic to see so many people stopping to listen, smile and join in the fun.
As our tour drew to a close, we spent our final evening together reflecting on everything we had experienced along the way.
From performances and sightseeing to moments of remembrance, laughter, friendship and new experiences, the tour gave us countless memories to take home with us. We shared our favourite moments from the trip and celebrated each other’s achievements with some well-deserved awards.
It was the perfect way to round off an incredible tour.
Friday: The Long Journey Home
We departed our hostel at 8am and made excellent time on our journey back to Calais, which enabled us to board an earlier ferry to Dover.
Unfortunately, the UK road network had other ideas. The M2, M25 and M1 decided to erase any advantage we had gained from the earlier ferry, treating us to multiple traffic jams throughout our journey!
Despite the delays, we arrived back at Raywell Park tired but only around 20 minutes later than scheduled.
A Tour to Remember 
Although our tour may have come to an end, the memories, friendships and experiences we shared will last a lifetime.
We are incredibly proud of everything we achieved during our time away and grateful for the opportunity to perform, explore, remember and enjoy so many special moments together.
From the solemnity of Tyne Cot Cemetery and the Menin Gate to the excitement of theme parks, historic castles, lively city squares and performances at unique locations, every part of the tour gave us something to remember.
Most importantly, the tour brought us together as a band. We shared laughter, challenges, achievements and countless unforgettable moments along the way.
It was a truly unforgettable tour — one filled with music, memories, friendship and experiences that will stay with us for years to come.
