Visit to Cremona, Casalbuttano and Offanengo
22 - 26 August 2013

In 2013 there were 48 in our party, with ages ranging from three to eighty-five. We were able to field 30 musicians, with the help of guests from Shrewton Band, British Airways Band and Southampton City Band. The itinerary included a boat trip to Peschiera Maraglio on Monte Isola( largest island in a lake in Europe) on Lake Iseo. In the evening we had a joint rehearsal and dinner provided by Offanengo Band, followed by an in impromptu dance display by the ladies of Casalbuttano and Offanengo.

Day 2 included a guided tour of the ancient churches of Offanengo, followed by a joint concert and another late night party in Offanengo.

Day 3 began with a small group of players and singers playing at Morning Mass at San Giacomo Lovara. In the evening we had a guided tour of St Giorgio main church in Casalbuttano, built in the middle of the 16th century, but built on a previous church going back two hundred years previously. There was also an impromptu organ recital by Ian & Luke. The climax was a joint concert in the Salone Voghera, a magnificent venue in a converted silk mill in the Palazzo Jacini, followed by yet another terrific late night party and supper in Casalbuttano.