Cheam Jazz Band Tour 2024

The Jazz band’s tour to Devon was a great success enjoyed by all!

The tour was activity packed, including trips to Paignton Zoo, Splashdown Waterpark and Paignton Pier Amusement Arcade. Pupils also travelled by boat, steam train and ferry whilst in Devon taking in the sights of Salcombe Bay, Goodrington Sands, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. Band members were treated to fantastic meals out, including the most amazing fish and chips we’d ever eaten, enjoyed by everyone except those who ate too many sweets from Devon’s oldest sweet shop!

It was a wonder there was any time to perform! But between all the fun, 23 pupils and 6 staff performed in 3 outdoor bandstands. After a challenging wind and rain affected the concert on Goodrington Sands, the band was blessed with two beautiful days performing in Kingsbridge and Dartmouth. The quality of the performing improved every day with the final performance in Dartmouth attracting many locals and tourists. Spectators enjoyed Jazz standards alongside popular favourites by Queen, Bon Jovi and more.

The band had a fantastic travelling fanbase of family and friends. We really appreciated their support in making this a special memory for all involved. We were also grateful for the staff who worked hard looking after everyone, performing, driving and carting around heavy equipment. But most of all a big thanks to the pupils who were able to play hard and work hard when it mattered. The staff at the hotel we stayed in commented that this was ‘the best-behaved school trip they’ve ever had!’