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An unforgettable experience for the 47 pupils and teachers that left Manygates on a sunny Saturday morning. Everything went like clockwork thanks to the brilliant organisation of the trip’s leader, Sarah France. Even the long journey, which no one was looking forward to, went smoothly and surprisingly quickly. The hotel was very pleasant with a large swimming pool, and well situated in Malgrat de Mar on the Costa Brava, very close to the centre of the town and the beach. The food was great too! It was wonderful to relax by the pool after our twenty four hour journey but Jason Whiteley had plenty of games for us all to play. There was also time for a rehearsal in the square outside the hotel, which many of the passing tourists found entertaining.
After a good nights sleep we played rounders on the beach before driving off along the coast to explore some of the towns and villages.
The first concert was in the courtyard of a music school, the buildings of which had been a brewery many years before. The setting was really well equipped with PA system, spotlights and a big stage and an audience of more than a hundred made it a really special occasion.
The next day was spent sightseeing – Barcelona’s football stadium (the largest in Europe) and the Ramblas – Barcelona’s most famous street, before we arrived at the Poble Espagnol (Spanish village) for the second concert. The setting was calm and relaxed and very picturesque.
Wednesday was spent at the Costa Brava’s answer to Alton Towers – Portaventura. It was really really hot but many of our party enjoyed the thrills of Spain’s best white knuckle rides. Even though everyone was tired and hot, the third concert, in the little town where we were staying was another resounding success.
As with all great occasions, it all passed too quickly and as we drove north up the motorways of France and England we had time to reflect on the wonderful time that we’d had together.
Special thanks to the staff- Sarah France, Amanda Spalding, Jason Whiteley, Stuart Wilkinson, Carl White, Rhodri Younger and Vivienne Bird who worked so hard to make the trip a huge success and to the students whose perfect behaviour meant that everyone could really enjoy themselves.
V. Bird
