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We're proposing a meet next June for the French Open Brass Band Contest at Amboise in the Loire Valley.
It's not usually the norm to plan meets this far in advance (or this far afield) but in view of the venue we thought we would enter it now so members could plan their 2008 trips to France in plenty of time to coincide with the event.
The contest takes place between 06/06/08 and 08/06/08 but members can arrive at any time and stay as long as they wish, the intention is to make the meet a completely informal "come and go as you please" sort of affair. Amboise is right in the centre of the Loire Valley and is within easy reach of many of the best Chateaux in France so a longer stay may well be appropriate. There's also lots to see and do in Amboise itself with all the usual French shops & cafe's together with the regions largest street market on Sunday mornings.
The campsite
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is on an island in the middle of the river, right opposite the Chateaux de Amboise and an easy walk into the town centre. It's also a massive site (400+ spaces) so no need to book the site in advance.
There are two formal concerts, a formal competition concert and a series of impromptu concerts through the streets of the town. Also on the Saturday all the bands have to complete a marching section into the town square beneath the Chateau walls to be judged and there are several non-competitive bands entertaining the crowds throughout the day. The link to the contest can be found
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In 2007 there were plenty of UK entrants including several of the UKs' top bands so the standard of competition is very high and for any brass band enthusiasts it's a dream weekend in a fantastic setting.
If you're interested in joining in, just go the meets section and add your name to the list, we'll look to confirm attendees sometime after the New Year if sufficient numbers are interested but in the meantime it's something to look forward to during the cold winter months.
And I thought I was the only brass band nerd on the site, although I suppose with 18,000 odd of us there really had to be at least one more. I went to the Meets section but couldn't call up a list - we would like to be on the list.
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Sounds good to us. But perhaps a word of caution. We arrived in Ambiose for a music festival and failed miserably to get accomodation less tham 20k from the town, that was in our pre camping days.
Don't forget Leanardo, Grand Luce and the Troglodites.
Steve
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We stayed on this site in August last year. Didnt book. Very convenient spot. Also a very secure aire behind. Be aware there is a 'gens de route' nearby so I would not wild camp anywhere near.
Motorhomer
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And I thought I was the only brass band nerd on the site, although I suppose with 18,000 odd of us there really had to be at least one more. I went to the Meets section but couldn't call up a list - we would like to be on the list.
Hi PhredC
Well, I wouldn't describe us as "Brass Band Nerds" But we do enjoy most music if it's decent quality - and this is. It's more a case of a really pleasant and relaxing weekend in spectacular surroundings with excellent free entertainment included as far as we're concerned.
You've obviously found the meet entry as I see you've put your name on the list. If anyone else is looking for it, you'll find it right at the bottom of the meets block on the home page. Just click on it, then register your interest via the link on the next page if you might be able to come, no need for any firm commitment at this stage.
Ken, Barbara and me will be in France from the beginning of May 2008 but we would love to come along and join you all as this sounds as though it will be a fun weekend.
We stayed on this site in August last year. Didnt book. Very convenient spot. Also a very secure aire behind. Be aware there is a 'gens de route' nearby so I would not wild camp anywhere near.
Motorhomer
Sorry for hijacking this thread but can you explain what is a "gens de route"?
I googled it but didn't understand the answer
Well, the literal translation is "people of road" so I presume that Elizabeth (or is it George) is referring to the fact that a public access footpath runs through the campsite although what this has to do with wildcamping I'm not at all sure. No doubt someone with better French than us will be along to explain shortly.
We didn't find the road a problem last year except that because it was there we made a point of locking the van and setting the alarm whenever we went into town.
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But we do enjoy most music if it's decent quality - and this is. It's more a case of a really pleasant and relaxing weekend in spectacular surroundings with excellent free entertainment included as far as we're concerned.
No doubt someone with better French than us will be along to explain shortly.