Bringing South African music to the UK…

Roedean School Choir from South Africa embarked on a 16-day Concert Tour of England

Day 1

After arriving at London Heathrow Airport early on day 1, the group took a coach transfer to central London where they were met by their official Blue Badge Guide who gave them a guided tour of the city by coach, stopping at Covent Garden’s eclectic market for lunch. After lunch the group took to foot and were given a guided tour of London’s West End, following which they had some free time to explore Covent Garden before boarding the coach and heading to their hotel in time for an evening meal.

Day 2

After breakfast the group took their coach to St Peter’s Church in Harrow on the outskirts of London where they participated in a church service. After the service the group travelled to Hampton Court Palace for a guided tour. In the late afternoon, the coach dropped them on Oxford Street for some shopping and an evening meal before returning to their hotel.

Day 3

Their third day in London was filled with a visit to Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeon, before enjoying a night at the theatre where they saw Billy Elliot.

Day 4

They packed their belongings onto the coach and checked out of the hotel, before making their way to St Pauls Cathedral for the Easter Sunday service. After an impromptu performance on the steps of the Cathedral the group boarded their coach bound for York, arriving in time for an evening meal and a guided walking tour of the city.

Day 5

After a morning visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre, the group donned their concert wear and travelled to York Minster for their afternoon recital. The group then carried on to the Upstage Theatre where they gave a concert that evening.

Day 6

The group left York and arrived in Liverpool in time for lunch and an afternoon guided tour of Anfield football ground, home of the famous Liverpool Football Club.

Day 7

The morning had a Beatles theme, with a visit to the Beatles Story Museum and guided tour of the city ending at the famous Cavern Club. After an afternoon rehearsal the group gave an evening concert at Liverpool Cathedral.

Day 8

The group left Liverpool behind and began their journey south stopping in Chester where they were met by their guide for a tour of the Roman city. After lunch the coach continued onto Derby, where the group settled in with an evening meal before giving an evening concert at Derby Cathedral.

Day 9

The group travelled south to Stratford-upon-Avon, where they watched the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton with the locals, before joining a street party to continue the celebrations. After closing the street party with an informal concert the group got ready for their evening concert at Stratford Town Hall.

Day 10

The group filled their day with a number of performances during the Shakespeare Birthday Celebrations, celebrating the town’s most famous son. After departure from Stratford-upon-Avon, they enjoyed a river cruise in the charming Cotswold villages before continuing south to Bristol.

Day11

The day started with a visit to the interactive science museum and a spot of city centre shopping, followed by a concert at St Bartholomew’s Church.

Day 12

The group travelled to Bath where they gave a recital at Bath Abbey after which they explored the Roman Baths, the Royal Crescent and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stonehenge.

Day 13

After visiting a local school, the group travelled to Brighton where they were welcomed into Roedean Girls’ School where they spent the evening with their hosts.

Day 14 and Day 15

The group spent time with the Roedean Girls’ School in Brighton

Day 16

After some time to explore the royal town of Windsor it was time for the group to travel back to London Heathrow Airport for their return flight to Johannesburg.

Their feedback:

Overall rating of your tour experience: 5 out of 5
Overall rating of the service provided by Rayburn Tours: 5 out of 5
Overall rating of the level to which you felt the objectives of your tour were met: 5 out of 5
Rating of the level of service provided by your courier: 5+ out of 5
Would you recommend Rayburn Tours to others? YES!

Sum up your tour in one sentence…

The organisation and people who I worked with in your organisation were excellent; I look forward to working in association with you in the future