The Pass
Inspirational ideas for group days out and holidays
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Let there be music
Let there be music
There are many museums, galleries and venues in the UK dedicated to music. Here are some of the best to keep your group entertained.
Beatles mania
Located within Liverpool's historic Albert Dock, The Beatles Story is a unique day out for groups, as you can witness how four lads from Liverpool became the biggest band in the world. Along the way you’ll experience the excitement of the Cavern Club, the hysteria of Beatlemania and the phenomenon of Sgt Pepper, plus the Living History audio tour, narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird. This year has also seen the opening of the interactive, hands-on Discovery Zone; Going Solo - a collection of rooms celebrating the solo careers of John, Paul, George and Ringo; and a special exhibition space and a brand new Starbucks Coffee House and relaxation area. To find out more about The Beatles Story or to book your group’s tickets, call the number below or visit the website.
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0151 709 1963
Hidden gems
For over 80 years the Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) has been one of the south coast’s hidden musical gems. Under its music director, Barry Wordsworth, the BPO’s winter season runs from October to March in the glorious surroundings of the Brighton Dome Concert Hall. Most of the BPO’s concerts take place on Sunday afternoons, making them an ideal centrepiece to a day or weekend in Brighton. Music ranges from Bach, Mozart, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, through to Poulenc, Ravel and Szymanowski, so there’s something to suit all classical tastes.
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01273 709709
Summer sing-along!
Visit Leeds Castle in Kent this summer, and there’s a whole host of music events for you to enjoy. On 25 July, there’s music on the lawns with The Swingle Singers; followed by The English Chamber Orchestra on 26 July. Then on 5 August, Julian Lloyd Webber will perform a range of works for an audience in the castle, followed the next day by the celebrated Italian pianist, Adolfo Barabino. Whilst at the castle, groups can also take a look around the grounds, or book a guided tour of the garden. To find out more, contact the castle on the details below.
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01622 880 008
Make a break
If your group is into London theatre, whether musicals, drama, comedy or opera, Theatre Breaks can arrange an entertaining trip for you. They can book your travel, and even arrange a hotel stopover. A night out at the theatre is the highlight of one of their trips, and popular shows you might like to see include Billy Elliot, Blood Brothers, Buddy, Chicago, and Dirty Dancing. To find out how they can tailor-make your trip to suit your group’s taste, call Antonio Campanella on the number below, or visit their website for further information.
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01727 834422
Keep an eye out...
After a day at the heart of London’s attractions, why not treat your group to an evening relaxing to a world-class symphony orchestra? The London Philharmonic Orchestra performs at the newly restored Royal Festival Hall, joined by international conductors and soloists, to perform music by Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Beethoven amongst others. Details of the 2008/09 concert season, which starts on Wednesday 24 September 2008, can be found on the orchestra’s website below. The Royal Festival Hall also offers groups stunning views across the River Thames, and outlets for food and drink, including Wagamama, Strada, and Giraffe. It’s situated next to the London Eye - part of the riverside walk from Westminster Bridge to Gabriel’s Wharf, Oxo Tower and Tate Modern. Bookings of ten or more tickets for an individual concert can receive a 20% discount. Contact the London Philharmonic Orchestra group line below for more information.
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020 7840 4205
Play on
Groups can join the BBC Philharmonic and Chief Conductor Gianandrea Noseda at The Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, as they perform the orchestral works of Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) and Robert Schumann (1810-1856). You’ll also find international soloists join the Orchestra to perform the concertos of Schumann, in particular the Konzertstuck for four horns, rarely performed and a demanding, tour de force for all four soloists. To find out more about the BBC Philharmonic concert diary, contact them on the details below.
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0161 244 4001