Sound Escapes Bands

A nation of band lovers.

From the traditional industrial beginnings of the brass band in northern England, this musical world steeped in history has evolved into a vibrant array of brass, wind and percussion instruments and varying genres of repertoire from the classical to contemporary. Nothing is more rousing than the upbeat sound of a band overture whether it be a brass, jazz, wind, big or silver band during a live concert or at an outdoor festival and they will forever be part of our rich British musical heritage.

At Sound Escapes, we fully appreciate the requirements of a band and will discuss the logistics of transporting and storing your instruments at the very start of the enquiry process.

Performance Highlights

The UK plays host to several band competitions and festivals throughout the year and welcomes bands from all over the British Isles and overseas to perform in our cities, towns and beautiful countryside. One of the most picturesque being the annual Hardraw Scar Brass Band where bands perform within close proximity to the unique surroundings of a natural amphitheatre located next to a dramatic waterfall within the Yorkshire Dales. The summer months bring numerous wonderful outdoor concerts in the hundreds of park bandstands within picturesque parks and gardens.

Performance highlights during a tour of the British Isles could be at a bandstand in one of London’s Royal Parks, an indoor performance overlooking Hadrian’s Wall, participating in one our many Band festivals or regional events or even the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival?!

Publicity

Ensuring you have an appreciative audience is our greatest priority here at Sound Escapes. Our UK location ensures that we not only have the best knowledge of the most effective publicity channels in each region but we have strong links and personal relationships with the regional tourist boards and music ensembles across the UK who would be only too happy to assist in publicising your concert. We will also provide advertising through print, online and social media and your Tour Manager will also assist with the distribution of concert flyers prior to your performances. We also encourage and can arrange joint concerts with bands based in your tour destination which also helps to promote your concert to local audiences.

Care and attention to detail of the highest degree. The planning with Jo Porter was detailed and meticulous, with nothing being missed, and although she was not involved in the accommodation arrangements, she nevertheless checked it out and acted as an intermediary.
Robin SpencerChoir Secretary, Phoenix Choir
Sound Escapes did a fantastic job on arrangements for our tour . Would thoroughly recommend Jo to any choir looking to travel . All feedback has been positive from everyone who travelled . The extra care at meeting us at the coach and check in to ensure things ran smoothly went above and beyond .
Don OakleyMalmesbury ChoirOxford 2023
One of the best tours we have ever undertaken – musically, socially and geographically. Would heartily recommend Sound Escapes to any group considering a tour.
Carole Lindsay-DouglasAmici SingersWeston-Super-Mare 2023
As a Chorister, and eventually Head Chorister in our local church choir for eleven years, Jo was talented, dedicated and could always be relied on to work to the utmost of her undoubted abilities. I would expect that she would apply the same attributes to her professional life
P BuckmasterChoral Director
Fantastic tour in Bonnie Scotland, enjoyed by all who went, singing and non-singing. Brilliant organisation from Jo who really made it all look so easy.
Kate HymansTour organiser for Masterworks Chorale
Jo and her team came up with a fantastic itinerary for our choir and planned everything to the last detail. We always felt we were in safe hands and that they were on the end of a phone to help us with anything we needed. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough.
Rosie SayersChairperson for Sing It Loud Community Choir
Brilliant tour, expertly organised. Kindness and compassion. Nothing was too much trouble. Colin, our driver, was a complete gem and so knowledgeable about the isle. Lovely hotel staff where nothing was too much trouble
Felicity CourageChoir Director, Courage Choir

In May 2020 we were due to tour the Stirling area in Scotland and due to the current coronavirus pandemic we took the difficult decision to call off the tour. I’d like to give our thanks and praise to Jo and her team for all the planning and preparation she had done to put the itinerary together – she was able to provide us with an excellent range of stunning concert venues, plus some great suggestions for our leisure time, and we look forward to working with her again soon.

Sally ColesSecretary, Cantamici
You’ve been patient and kind all the way through this, Jo – especially with it being the first international tour I’ve done, and with all the unforeseen changes to the travel arrangements, so thank you to you and the team.
Sarah MonteithChoir DirectorResound ChoirParis 2023
From cathedrals and abbeys, churches and stately homes, all steeped in centuries of history, some in Roman Towns others in quintessential English ‘picture postcard’ villages, every choir and musical ensemble should spend a tour exploring the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whatever part of the country you to choose to visit, by working with a knowledgeable team of people who know the regions inside out from both a tourism and musical perspective, you will be guaranteed the richest of touring experiences
Tim KnightBritish composer and Choral Director