July 2017: Forays Into the Unexpected!

A recent trip to Ireland to visit Beloved Christena Henrietta found us in a local park watching segments of the Bands Championships.  Who knew that such a thing even existed?!

Apparently, there are bands from all manner of places which boast Celtic heritage and the Championships are a serious and well-respected event beginning with local and regional competitions before progressing onto ever more serious and salubrious events.

For any fan and connoisseur of tartan, brass, stick twirling and twizzling, marching and accents, these Championships must be an absolutely essential part of the calendar.

Somewhat bemused and astounded, it is a long time since I have seen something so completely new to me and, simultaneously, so instantly familiar.  (This must be the origins of majorettes and, possibly, even cheer leading.)  Wonderful!