The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

The Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead

Hailed as the music and performance mecca of the North East, this state of the art venue not only offers performances but an array of music courses classes and workshops. During a tour of this magnificent building, your choir can also experience an informal sing in...
Hexham Abbey

Hexham Abbey

Set in a befitting serene and rural location, this beautiful abbey offers a friendly welcome and unique setting. Built from 1170-1250, the original Abbey still remains and fortunately survived Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries and became the local parish...
Hexham Bandstand

Hexham Bandstand

This Grade II listed bandstand was restored to its former glory in 2016 and its location, just a stone’s throw from Hexham Abbey, makes it a very special place to perform! It is a much-loved music venue for the residents of Hexham and comes to life in the summer...
The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall

The Sill, Hadrian’s Wall

Most probably one of the more unique performance venues on offer in the North East! The Sill, the UK’s National Landscape Discovery Centre, set in dramatic, lush surroundings with views of Hadrian’s Wall, offers performers an opportunity like no other. Start...
Music Festivals

Music Festivals

Why not combine your performances to the North East with a visit to appreciate some of the local talent? The most notable being the Durham Brass Band Festival in July and Hexham Abbey Festival in September.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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
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