Ipswich High School music tour, 28th to 31st March 2025

A close link with the town of Honfleur for the Ipswich High School choir tour. They stayed at the Hotel Ibis Centre Historique, right in the heart of the old town, and their tour centred on their involvement in the local arts festival Paroles Paroles, run by local author/artist/creative Vanessa Simon-Catelin. Their first concert was in the picture-postcard village of Barneville La Bertran, at the pretty church which was opened up specially for the festival. A local watercolour artist was present too, producing some paintings during the course of the concert! That evening they went to watch a violinist-rapper (!) perform in one of a series of concerts at the Greniers a Sel. Their tour was completed with a performance at the prestigious Sunday Mass service at the Basilica Saint Therese de Lisieux. A fun and intense musical weekend!

When we began to arrange our music tour to Normandy, we knew we were in safe hands from the start. Chris sorted out every little detail, from comfortable transport to ideally situated accommodation, perfect concert locations and audiences that filled the concert venues. His welcoming nature and attention to detail meant the staff as well as the students had a great trip. We are looking forward to returning soon.

Angela Chillingworth, Director of Music, Ipswich High School