Palanga Performance

Flowers Band were invited to perform at the Lithuanian Finals over the weekend of the 30th and 31st of March.

Flying Friday morning from Luton, we landed at 5pm local time at Palanga Airport in time to eat, check in at the hotel and to rehearse with members of the MASSED.

The next morning began with a fascinating walking tour of Palanga, visiting the many sculptures, remnants of the Soviet Era and fables etched in the Lithuanian history.

After lunch, Flowers Band took to the fantastic Palanga Concert Hall for a final rehearsal before our performance.

Flowers Band were the headline act for the weekend and played to a full house of Lithuanian banders, all eager to see what the UK could offer.

With a programme highlighting soloists within our ranks; Andy Smith (Cornet) with Hejre Kati, Rob Wilshaw (Trombone) with Can’t Take My Eye Off You and Carlton Sykes (Eb Bass) with Carnival for Bass, as well as audience favourites; Manhattan Skyline, Night Flight to Madrid and Lightwalk amongst others.

To complete the night, Flowers performed alongside two competing bands during the awards ceremony.

A meal, courtesy of our organisers, was laid on for the band and we feasted on fantastic local delicacies, whilst also sampling our fair share of local beers, wines and spirits!

With an early flight, Flowers Band touched back down in the UK by midday; already missing the views, location, food, drink but most of all the brilliant hospitality awarded to us by our hosts.

What a great place. Thank you Palanga, and thank you Lithuania.