Sound Escapes Melodious Mini(m) Break! by Sound Escapes Performance Tours

A selection of musical mini-breaks especially for adult choirs, bands and orchestras across the UK, Ireland & mainland Europe

2023/2024 brochure

Tel: UK 0044 (0) 115 874 6396 www.soundescapesuk.com

“Music is a great gift to us all, and we should cherish it.” John Rutter

“If music be the food of love, play on.” William Shakespeare

“Life seems to go on without effort when I am filled with music.” George Eliot

“We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams.” Arthur O’Shaughnessy

Contents ABOUT SOUND ESCAPES

P 4-5

YORKSHIRE

DERBYSHIRE

SOMERSET

DORSET

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

P 10

ISLE OF WIGHT

P 11

STIRLING & LOCH LOMOND

P 12

BELFAST & ANTRIM COAST

P 13

BELGIUM

P 14

PARIS

P 15

THE NETHERLANDS

P 16

BOOKING INFORMATION

P 17-18

About Sound Escapes What to expect on tour and more about us

Here at Sound Escapes, we are delighted to offer our musical mini-breaks and extended touring options for adult choirs and music ensembles within the UK, Ireland and Europe. The tours have been created to specifically meet the needs of adult groups and every individual member will receive the highest level of care and attention throughout their tour. We aim to please and we will ensure that all individual needs and requirements are catered for. Please read on for more details on how we will create a wonderful concert tour experience for your group!

Travel

We work with a carefully selected range of coach providers across the UK to ensure a high standard of vehicle and customer service throughout your tour. All coach tours will be supplied with the comfort of an executive coach and your driver will stay with your group throughout. We will of course tailor the coaching requirement to your needs. We will endeavour to arrange a short comfort break every couple of hours or as required. We also offer rail tours via Eurostar to Europe and in the very near future, flight tours to Europe. For any group members who would prefer to self-drive, this is certainly an option and can be discussed at the point of compiling your quotation.

Accommodation We provide accommodation in 2*-4* hotels according to your budget and requirements. All hotels are fully checked and tried and tested by our senior team to ensure a pleasant and enjoyable stay for your group. We fully understand the importance of social time on tour so select accommodation accordingly to ensure that when you are not performing, you have time to bond with your fellow tour participants.

Concert Venues

At Sound Escapes we fully appreciate that no two performance groups are the same and will ensure your musical needs and performance aspirations are fully considered from our very first point of contact with you. We have established relationships with hundreds of venues across the country from UNESCO World Heritage Cathedrals and historic churches and abbeys to outdoor amphitheatres, bandstands, music festivals, arts and visitor centres. Our UK location allows to have our ear very close to the ground from a musical perspective so will ensure that your concerts are the very best. CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

About Sound Escapes What to expect on tour and more about us

Concert publicity We would also highly recommend the exciting opportunity of performing with a musical ensemble based in your chosen destination or during one of the UK’s excellent music and arts festivals. Here at Sound Escapes we have the contacts and expertise to facilitate this very special performance option for you! With regards to publicising your concerts, we work closely with the venue and local communities to assist us with this. We provide posters in situ, plentiful online advertising both on social media, what’s on listings and on tourism websites and will also share your concert details with local music ensembles.

Tour Pricing As all of our tours are entirely bespoke, the final tour cost will be determined by your group size, chosen destination and tour inclusions so please get in touch for your tailor-made quote! We offer tours from 2 days in length to 10 day 3-centre tours so please get in touch with your requirements. We can also offer tours for smaller groups too, from 20 tour participants upwards. For indicative purposes please see sample pricing based on 40 paying tour participants on a fullsize executive coach and the inclusions opposite -

2 day tour - executive coach travel, 1 night 3* hotel, 1-2 concerts and Tour Manager - from £189 per person (outdoor concert)/£199 per person (indoor concert) 3 day tour - executive coach travel, 2 nights' 3* hotel, 2-3 concerts and Tour Manager - £289 per person (outdoor concerts)/£299 per person (indoor concerts) 4 day tour - executive coach travel, 2 nights' 3* hotel, two concerts and Tour Manager - £359 per person (outdoor concerts)/£369 per person (indoor concerts)

The Team Sound Escapes is an independent family-run tour operator specialising in performance tours for all types of amateur music ensembles and expressive arts groups to the UK and Ireland. Our holidays are completely bespoke and your requirements are key in creating the perfect tour. We are based in Nottingham, located in the heart of the UK, so are perfectly placed for facilitating your tour arrangements to the finest detail. Whether you are embarking on a tour to the UK and Ireland for the very first time or visiting from another region of our fine country, we will ensure a unique and great British welcome to wherever your musical journey leads. Between us we have almost 50 years of experience in specialist group travel with 22 of these years in Concert Tours. Music. live performance and travel are our passions and we also spend much of our free time singing in choirs and bands, playing medieval instruments and the piano, performing in the theatre and teaching dance!

Jo Porter Owner & Chief Tour Orchestrator

Judy & Dexter Tour Coordinators/ Managers

Gill Keighley Tour Administrator

YORKSHIRE DESTINATION OVERVIEW Offering undulating green dale landscapes, plunging sea cliffs and stately period manor houses this diverse region contains fascinating towns such as medieval York, pretty Harrogate and cosmopolitan Leeds. The north of England is said to be the spiritual home of brass bands and Yorkshire certainly has its fair share of music events and exciting venues. Britain’s best Fish and Chips, a great cup of tea and a warm welcome are waiting for you! SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION Just a short walk from Harrogate town centre, the 4* Crowne Plaza Harrogate was completely refurbished in 2017. All 214 bedrooms offer award winning “This Works” sleep kits and are equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. There is an attractive bar area and a restaurant serving tasty meals. The 4* Best Western Hull Humber View Hotel focusses on comfort and quality, with all the modern essentials you would expect plus acres of landscaped grounds and a dramatic view over the iconic Humber Bridge. A range of dining options are available and there is a comfortable sunken lounge in which to relax or a gym for the energetic.

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS EXCURSIONS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES Historic York NCEM, York Valley Gardens, Harrogate Coastal Whitby Ripon Cathedral Piece Hall, Halifax Elegant Harrogate St Wilfrid's, Harrogate Spa Gardens, Ripon North Yorkshire Moors Railway Beverley Minster Ilkley Bandstand Haworth & Bronte country Fountains Abbey Knaresborough Castle CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

DERBYSHIRE DESTINATION OVERVIEW This glorious region of central England is the home of Britain’s first National Park plus lively cities each with their own special character. Derby is still home to its eponymous porcelain, whilst nearby Nottingham boasts tales of Robin Hood and his merry men. The Peak District contains gems such as Buxton and Matlock plus many beautiful country houses, with Chatsworth being the jewel in the crown. Musicians can refresh with a slice of authentic Bakewell tart or a glass of Burton-upon-Trent’s famous ale. SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The 4-star Leonardo Hotel is located in the historic Cathedral Quarter of Derby and is just a 2minute walk from the cathedral and 10-minute walk from the main shopping area. The hotel offers elegant and spacious rooms, cardio gym, a café, a contemporary bar and a stylish restaurant serving a buffet breakfast.

EXCURSIONS Chatsworth House Castleton - the Caverns Derwent Valley canal cruise Nottingham Castle & Caves Stratford-upon-Avon & Warwick Castle

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES Derby Cathedral Derby Market Place Southwell Minster Hathersage Bandstand St Mary the Virgin, Nottingham Pavilion Gardens, Buxton St Peter’s Church, Belper Matlock Bandstand St John the Baptist Church, Trentham Gardens, Stoke Buxton

SOMERSET & AVON DESTINATION OVERVIEW This beautiful area of verdant countryside and captivating towns is steeped in the ancient legends of King Arthur and his knights. By basing yourself in the historic port of Bristol you can visit ancient stone circles, magnificent abbeys and stunning Georgian spa towns or just relax on a boat trip through the Avon Gorge. The local specialities of Cheddar cheese and artisan ciders will provide energy for performing in elegant gardens, towering cathedrals or quirky city venues. SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The 3* Ibis Bristol Centre overlooks Millennium Square, right in the heart of Bristol’s vibrant Harbourside area. This friendly hotel has a cafe restaurant serving an “all-you-can-eat” breakfast and a stylish bar for evening relaxation. Rooms are equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, flat screen TVs and comfortable beds and all have wi-fi access.

EXCURSIONS Stonehenge & Salisbury Historic Bath Cotswold villages Glastonbury & Wells Avon Gorge Cruise

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES St Stephen’s, Bristol Royal Victoria Park, Bath St Mary's, Redcliffe Parade Gardens, Bath Wells Cathedral Wells Bandstand St Swithin’s Church, Bath Queen Square, Bristol All Saints, Bristol Keynsham Bandstand CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

DORSET DESTINATION OVERVIEW With miles of spectacular coastline forming the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast, picturesque towns and villages, natural wonders and a sunny disposition, Dorset is a remarkable destination. Seafront promenades and garden bandstands attract large audiences in the summer who love to lounge on their deckchairs and soak up the atmosphere. With some of the country’s most popular attractions on your doorstep, you won’t be short of things to do and after a busy day of performing and sightseeing, What could be better than relaxing with a cream tea and a sea view? SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION Perched on Bournemouth's famous East Cliff, the 4* Bournemouth Carlton Hotel, offers dramatic views across the bay. Built in the Victorian era, the hotel offers 76 guest rooms, many of which have views across the bay, and some also feature a private balcony for gazing out to sea. The outdoor pool is surrounded by sun loungers and palm trees, giving it a distinctly tropical feel, and indoors, there's a restaurant, gym, heated swimming pool and sauna.

EXCURSIONS Bournemouth – seafront & literary connections Poole’s Old Town & harbour Jurassic Coast - boat & train Brownsea Island

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES St Peter’s, Bournemouth Lower Gardens, Bournemouth East Cliff URC, Bournemouth Pier Approach, Bournemouth The Lighthouse, Poole· Highcliffe Castle· Blandford Forum Church Pageant Gardens, Sherborne Christchurch Priory Christchurch Bandstand

CAMBRIDGESHIRE DESTINATION OVERVIEW Follow in the footsteps of the great minds who studied in Cambridge as you enjoy a punt along the River Cam and tour the impressive colleges of the University. The Museum of Cambridge will transport you back to the city of the 17th Century, whilst the treasures of the Fitzwilliam Museum include original manuscripts by Elgar and Handel. Further afield explore the “island” city of Ely, immaculately preserved Stamford or indulge in the world famous pork pies and Stilton of Melton Mowbray. SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The contemporary style 4* Huntingdon Marriott Hotel offers a range of modern facilities throughout its rooms, overseen by helpful staff. It also features an indoor pool and fullyequipped gym. Meals are served in the Market Kitchen restaurant and guests can relax and enjoy drinks and light snacks in The Brew Bar Lounge.

EXCURSIONS Cambridge Walking Tour Bletchley Park River Cam boat trip Ely and the Cathedral

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES Great St Mary's University Ely Bandstand Church, Cambridge Jesus Green Emmanuel United Reform Kings Lynn Bandstand Church, Cambridge Riverside Park, St Neots Ely Cathedral Huntingdon Bandstand St Mary's, Huntingdon CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

THE ISLE OF WIGHT DESTINATION OVERVIEW Situated a short ferry ride away from England's South coast, the Isle of Wight is the perfect destination at any time of year. Known as the UK's holiday island, ride the chairlift up to view the iconic Needles rocks, take in Carisbrooke Castle or head to the charming, traditional seaside resort Shanklin with its glorious long wide sandy beach set against a backdrop of dramatic sandstone cliffs. With plentiful performance venues, both indoor and out, the island offers the perfect balance of holiday and concert options for your music ensemble. SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The 3* Bourne Hall Country House Hotel is an elegant, family run hotel, set in mature grounds in Shanklin. Originally built in the late 1860’s, said to be for one of Queen Victoria’s ladies in waiting, the “house” still retains its sense of history whilst providing comfortable accommodation enhanced by its original Victorian features. The Hotel enjoys exquisite views, by day and night, across Sandown and Shanklin Bay.

EXCURSIONS Osborne House Carisbrooke Castle Shanklin Esplanade & Chine Brading Roman Villa The Needles Boat Cruises

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES All Saints Church, Ryde Rylstone Bandstand, St Mildred's Church, Shanklin Whippingham The Needles Landmark Quarr Abbey Attraction Carisbrooke Castle Carisbrooke Castle

STIRLING & LOCH LOMOND DESTINATION OVERVIEW Stirling, the ancient capital of Scotland lies at the heart of the nation’s history as a former seat of Scottish royalty. The streets of the old town all wind upwards towards the magnificent Stirling Castle, dominating the surrounding landscape. To the west, lie Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, the 'Highlands in miniature’ encompassing a romantic expanse of sparkling lochs, crumpled hills, sleepy forests and welcoming villages.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The family-owned Golden Lion Hotel has welcomed guests, including royalty and the Scottish poet Robert Burns, for more than 200 years. Located in Stirling city centre, the hotel also has a traditional bar and a restaurant serving local produce. The hotel offers modern rooms, each with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, tea and coffee and ironing facilities. Each bathroom has a hairdryer, bath and shower. There are shops, bars and cafes on the hotel doorstep, and the magnificent Stirling Castle is just 0.6 miles away.

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS EXCURSIONS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES Historic Stirling & Castle Paisley Abbey King's Park Bandstand, William Wallace Monument Church of the Holy Rude, Stirling Loch Lomond boat cruise Stirling Stirling Castle courtyard Kelvingrove Gallery, Glasgow St Mary's Cathedral, Deanston Whisky distillery Glasgow Falkirk Wheel & The Kelpies Stirling Castle CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

BELFAST & ANTRIM COAST DESTINATION OVERVIEW Rugged coastlines, historic castles and breath-taking scenery are in abundance in this very green and captivating land. Take the awe-inspiring coastal road to see the Giant’s Causeway, one of Europe’s most celebrated natural wonders. When it comes to city life, the colourful capital Belfast, provides some fascinating sightseeing opportunities and you’ll be in for some great craic with a traditional Irish welcome on the affectionately known 'Emerald Isle'.

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The 3* Belfast Loughshore Hotel in Carrickfergus is located on the the Antrim Coast, just a 15minute drive from Belfast City Centre. With tastefully decorated bedrooms equipped with TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities and hotel facilities include a welcoming bar/lobby area, inviting restaurant and mezzanine lounge, your group is certain to have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

EXCURSIONS Belfast Titanic Exhibition The Giant's Causeway Castle Ward & Strangford Lough Hillsborough Castle

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES Belfast Cathedral Titanic Exhibition St George's Church Castle Ward Historic Giant's Causeway Visitor Farmyard Centre

BELGIUM DESTINATION OVERVIEW Belgium is an enduring favourite destination for all our musical groups. Just a short hop away from Calais you can choose between battlefields, beaches and stunning medieval towns and then relax with a taster of some of the country’s legendary beer or chocolate. Wherever you go you will have ample opportunity to perform in magnificent cathedrals, friendly churches or busy squares. And for a truly moving experience, a performance at the Last Post Ceremony at Ypres’ Menin Gate is a must-do. SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION In a quiet street just minutes’ walk from the medieval heart of Bruges you will find the 3* Novotel Bruges Centre. All rooms are spacious and equipped with a minibar, safe and free WiFi. A delicious breakfast buffet is served to guests and for dinner there are many restaurants to choose from within easy walking distance. At the end of a long day’s sightseeing enjoy a drink in the stylish bar.

EXCURSIONS ·Bruges and Ghent ·Battlefields tour ·Ypres and the Menin Gate ·Chocolate Museum Brewery tour

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES ·Astridpark bandstand, ·Brussels Cathedral Bruges ·Church of Our Lady, Bruges Ostend bandstand ·Joseph Ryelandtzaal, Bruges ·Brussels park bandstand ·St Bavo’s Cathedral, Ghent ·Ypres Grote Markt Sint Michielskerk, Ghent ·Last Post Ceremony OLV Church, De Panne CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

PARIS DESTINATION OVERVIEW The “City of Light” is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and it’s not hard to understand why. Travel by plane, coach or train to find unique architecture, awe-inspiring museums and gourmet food, or dig a little deeper to uncover quirky shops, shady parks and captivating arrondissements away from the crowds. For performers Paris offers everything from majestic churches to charming pavilions, or for a complete contrast why not tread the boards at Disneyland? SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The 3* Ibis Paris Montmartre is right in the heart of the city, just a short walk away from the Moulin Rouge and the Sacre Coeur Church, whilst the nearby Place de Clichy metro station gives quick and easy access to the whole city. Rooms are air-conditioned with en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers and free WIFI. Breakfast is a generous continental buffet and a bar lounge with a 24-hour snack machine are available at other times.

EXCURSIONS Eiffel Tower Seine river cruise Palace of Versailles Latin Quarter Museums galore!

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES Jardin de Luxembourg La Madeleine Church Parc Montsouris bandstand St. Sulpice church Square Jean XXIII Disneyland bandstand Church of Saint-Germain-desChamp de Mars Prés German Protestant Church CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

NETHERLANDS DESTINATION OVERVIEW TFrom lively cities to charming villages to dazzling bulb fields there’s something for everyone in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is well known for its architecture and world class museums, whilst pretty towns like Delft or Utrecht also beckon. Valkenburg nestling in the so-called “Dutch Alps is a real gem of a place and a great destination for bands, and choirs will love the churches in and around Amsterdam. Windmills, clogs and cheese attract millions of visitors but it’s the friendly people that help make truly great memories. SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION The 4* NH Amsterdam Leidseplein is within easy reach of all that Amsterdam has to offer. Enjoy comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi and indulge in the daily fresh breakfast that offers a variety of pastries, cold cuts and fresh juices. For a drinks or a snack visit the hotel bar or cross the canal opposite to find a huge choice of restaurants. To explore the city’s famous sights simply hop on a nearby tram.

EXCURSIONS Canal Cruise Volendam Keukenhof Gardens Zaanse Schans Outdoor Museum

CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS INDOOR VENUES OUTDOOR VENUES Noordwijk English Church, Amsterdam Oosterpark Bandstand, Oude Kerk, Amsterdam Amsterdam Maria van Jessekerk, Delft Delft Market Square St Anthony & St Nicholas Grote Markt, Haarlem Church, Monnickendam Maastricht OLV Plein CONTACT US: 0115 874 6396 INFO@SOUNDESCAPESUK.COM

Booking Information Your Finances and Safety on tour

Here at Sound Escapes, we are able to provide your group with the financial reassurances required in such uncertain times. We are proud that during this period we have either postponed tours or refunded our clients in full for any tours that were unable to proceed due to COVID-19 and we will continue to offer this flexibility to our clients. Please read on for more details about how we protect your group finances both prior to and during your tour.

Group Finance Sound Escapes is a member of Protected Travel Services so your group can be assured that we are fully compliant with the 1992 Package Travel Regulations and your funds are protected. In the unlikely event of tour operator failure, all funds are held in an independent trust account, or insured for your peace of mind. This protection lasts from the point that you book your holiday through to the point when you return. You can enjoy every holiday booked through a PTS client knowing that you have 100% financial protection and full peace of mind at all times. The party leader is provided with access to your own personal online portal so you may view your account balance, itinerary and tour details at any time. Please visit 'Consumer Protection' at https://www.protectedtrustservices.com for more information.

Health & Safety Here at Sound Escapes, we only provide the very best in quality and all of our suppliers are independently assessed to ensure they meet our high standards and comply to the best of our knowledge with UK Health and Safety regulations. We are able to assist you through the risk assessment and risk mitigation processes for your tour as required. All of our tour providers including coach and minibus providers, hotels and excursion providers are required to be accredited with the Visit England 'Good to Go' badge and the concert venues, registered as a COVID secure venue. 24-hour tour assistance In addition to the services of a dedicated accompanying Tour Manager throughout your musical break, Sound Escapes will provide 24-hour emergency assistance in the event of unforeseen circumstances which may arise during your tour.

Booking Information Booking Terms & Conditions

Insurance Public Liability Insurance Sound Escapes holds a comprehensive tour operator’s public liability insurance combined packaged with one of the UK’s leading brokers for tour and travel agents’, Towergate Chapman Stevens, for your full peace of mind. Please see http://www.towergatechapmanstevens.co.uk/tour operators-insurance.aspx for more information. Group and Individual Travel Insurance It is essential that every member of your party has their own individual travel insurance to ensure they have adequate cover for any medical emergencies (non-UK residents) during their stay, tour cancellation and personal belongings. Sound Escapes is able to offer your party comprehensive travel insurance for a supplementary cost with SunWorld Travel insurance which is part of the reputable AXA group.

Booking Terms & Conditions We are delighted to offer your group a more flexible approach to booking your 'Melodious Mini(m) Tour' in this current climate and this is your guide on how to book your tour: -

Contact us for your tailor-made quote Pay your initial deposit of £50* per person Now for the fun part, planning your tour in detail! Pay your final balance 10 weeks prior to departure Final documentation sent to the party leader & get ready to enjoy your tour**! Please see https://www.soundescapesuk.com/ for our full booking terms and conditions *Deposits - £50pp initial deposit. Non-refundable deposit in the event of client cancellation. A second deposit may be required 8 weeks later subject to supplier payment conditions. ** Should we need to cancel your tour for a COVID-19 related reason i.e. national lockdown, restriction on group sizes etc. we can either postpone your tour to a later date or refund your tour costs in accordance with the 2018 Package Travel Regulations and the legal requirements at the time of cancellation.

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Tel: UK 0044 (0) 115 874 6396 www.soundescapesuk.com

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