My China Experience
Thursday 13th February 2014The Band was invited by the Chinese Government to perform in front of 8,000 people at the Liuzhou International Water Festival (30th September and 1st October) in the Giuanxi Province in the South of China.
Funding was made available by the Cultural Department in China for 17 band members and 4 staff to attend the festival
Alan Appleby (16), one of the band’s drummers, reflects on the incredible opportunity enjoyed by members of the Ayrshire Company half way round the world.
Q A trip to China sounds an incredible experience. How did it all come about?
A We were told at one of our BB evenings that the band had been invited by the Chinese Government to play at the Liuzhou International Water Festival and it went from there.
Q What did you expect ahead of the trip?
A I didn’t know what to expect as it is a totally different experience from any other band engagement we’ve ever done, which made it all the more exciting!
Q Did you get a chance to explore much whilst you were there?
A Yes, we were able to visit various places, such as the Olympic Stadium in Beijing. We also got the opportunity to climb part of the Great Wall, where some of us even played our pipes!
Q What was the reaction to the band’s music?
A We were treated like Superstars when we marched down the street in the parade. We were the centre of attention everywhere we went and many people wanted to have shots of the drums and photos with us!
Q Was there any particular highlight?
A It would have to be playing at a concert in front of an audience of 8,000 people – the whole experience was out of this world!
Q Is this something you would like to be involved in again?
A Yes, absolutely! I would love to experience trips like this again with the band in the future and represent our Company again.
