DESPITE the tragic events that have taken place in Brussels this week, Warrington Male Voice Choir are still planning to go ahead with its tour to Ypres in Belgium, in early April.
Planning for the ‘Voices across the water’ tour, which will see the choir staying in Ypres, has been on-going for some months and is currently scheduled to include: a performance and wreath laying as part of the daily Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, an evening concert in Langemark, a visit to the WW1 battlefields and a sightseeing tour to Bruges.
For the last two years, as part of the choir’s activities to mark the Centenary of World War 1, an annual Festival of Remembrance has been organised and staged in Warrington by the choir and the tour to Belgium, and in particular the performance at the Menin Gate, is the cornerstone of those activities.
Commenting, Choir Chairman Bob Williams said: “As a choir we had a number of members who went off to fight in the First Word War and paid the ultimate sacrifice. We therefore felt as a tribute to them that the choir should mark the WW1 Centenary in the only way it knows, with music and song.
“We are honoured to have been invited to perform at the Menin Gate as part of the Last Post ceremony; an event that has taken place every evening since 1928. In addition, during the ceremony, I will be laying a wreath on behalf of the Choir”.
“Ever since we first discussed this tour we anticipated it would be both enjoyable and emotional and we have always been in no doubt that our involvement in the Last Post ceremony will be one of the most moving moments of our lives.”
“With the tragic events that have taken place this week in Brussels we believe there is now even more reason to travel to Belgium.
“In March 1993, in response to the terrorist bombings of Warrington town centre, the choir adopted a special role using music to promote peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland, both North and South.
“Back in those dark days, people across the world showed their support for and solidarity with the Warrington community.
“In 2016, we are determined to show our solidarity with the people of Belgium and the citizens of Brussels, in particular those affected by the terrible events, by performing and ensuring that our voices are heard loud and clear across the water. Whether it be the fallen of 100 years ago or those who died in Brussels, we will remember them”.
He added: “The thoughts of Warrington Male Voice Choir are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, been injured or affected in any way, as a result of the terrible events in Brussels.”
