Here we are in Panevezys, Lithuania ! We arrived on Thursday 15th March and after settling in to our hotel, we went to the Domino bar to have a meal provided by the mayor of Panevezys municipality.
Friday morning it was of to the city hall for a civic reception with the deputy mayor,deputy minister of culture and the deputy ambassador of the United Kingdom to Lithuania. After coffee, we went to the big hall where members of the local paparazzi, national television and other important people were waiting. Jo and the Ambassador pulled back the curtain to reveal a magnificent display of 110 instruments. There were then many speeches, interviews and photo opportunities for the local press.
We then returned to the Romantic Hotel, where we dined with the dignitories.
In the afternoon, Remi, who is from the Lithuanian Brass Band Movement, took us to The Hill of Crosses, where a special Cross was placed for Trefor, that had been made by a local blacksmith. The Hill of Crosses is a memorial site where people place crosses to remember loved ones and to send special wishes and prayers to them.
Then it was off to a village to attend their Band's 1st Birthday celebrations. Many neighbouring village Bands attended, all playing a short concert and bringing the conductor gifts !
We were then plied with food and copious amounts of schnapps and/or brandy !
Then it was back to the hotel for a nightcap befor falling into bed. What an emotional day !!