As Derbyshire kids are counting down until school’s out for the summer, students from the Toyota Junior marching band in Japan are gearing up for a trip to Derbyshire in early August.
The 31 young musicians will perform at three Derbyshire venues as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the friendship and twinning link between Toyota City and Derbyshire.
Hosting the band are these three locations. Each performance will last for about 45 minutes and no booking is necessary, people can just come along.
• Tuesday 8 August 1pm – Chatsworth Gardens – garden ticket purchase required.
• Wednesday 9 August 1pm – Swadlincote Music in the Park – free for all to attend
• Thursday 10 August 2:45pm – Derby Cathedral – free for all to attend (30 min performance)
Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, is Chair of the Toyota City Partnership Board. He said, “Back in 1989 the Toyota Motor Company chose Derbyshire as home for its first European car factory, and it was built in Burnaston in the south of the county. Friendly relations with Japan led to a twinning agreement between Derbyshire and Toyota City in 1998.
“In the 25 years since the link numerous projects and activities have taken place for mutual benefit including trade links, business events, educational exchanges, cultural activities and events, sporting links and youth music exchanges.
“Hosting this talented band of youngsters is the latest of these activities and I am looking forward to seeing them play. I hope that local residents and visitors alike will enjoy the entertainment and our thanks to our partners and the venues for their support.”
The Derby & Derbyshire Music Partnership is helping with the organisation of the event. The Partnership works to create high quality music education in and out of schools throughout the county.
The Toyota City Partnership Board includes Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, South Derbyshire District Council, Toyota City, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK and other educational, economic and environmental organisations.
Many people don’t know that there is a city in Japan called Toyota City, it used to be called Koromo, but due to the success of the Toyota Manufacturing Company and in recognition of its founders, the Toyoda family, the city was renamed Toyota City in 1959.