Europe, 2026
Westminster School is excited to invite Senior School musicians to join our 2026 Music Tour to Europe. The program blends public performances, school workshops, cultural visits, and commemorative events across Paris, Ypres, the Cotswolds/Swindon region, and London. This tour builds on Westminster’s long history of successful international music tours and will include band, choir, rock band, and small ensembles.
Dates:
Thursday 25 June – Monday 13 July 2026 (TBC)
Proposed dates: Depart Adelaide Thursday 25 June; depart London Saturday 11 July; arrive Adelaide Monday 13 July (timings depend on airline/layover options). If flying Qatar with longer layovers, a recreational day in Doha is likely on the Sunday; if very short stopovers are secured, London departure may be late Saturday or early Sunday.
Travel Information:
Current online economy fares indicate ~$3,000 on Qatar Airways; however, the overall tour budget is tracking under the $10,000 guide shared at the parent meeting.
Note: As this is an international trip, a valid passport with at least six months before expiry is required to attend.
Staff:
Chris Gould, Kellie Blacker and Darren McLachlan
Feature Performance:
Last Post Ceremony, Menin Gate (Ypres) – Tuesday 7 July, 8:00pm. A significant honour commemorating those who served in WWI & WWII.
Expressions of Interest
24 students (13 girls / 11 boys) currently registered; limited capacity remains for one additional student (subject to provider availability).
If you would like more information about future tours, please contact Darren McLachlan, DMcLachlan@westminster.sa.edu.au
Packing List
Luggage
- Large suitcase (checked luggage – max 25kg; recommended under 18kg)
- Backpack (carry-on – max 7kg)
Please ensure your suitcase is clearly labelled with your name, address, and Westminster School.
Essential Documents
- Passport (valid for at least six months beyond the return date)
- Prescription medications (packed separately according to instructions)
Clothing
- School music uniform(s):
- Concert black (performance dress or suit)
- Westminster performance polo/shirt (if provided)
- Black performance shoes (polished, comfortable)
- Black socks/tights
Casual wear:
- 5–6 t-shirts/tops
- 3–4 pairs of pants/jeans/shorts (mix for warm weather)
- Light jumper/hoodie for evenings
- 1–2 dressier outfits (for special dinners/shows)
Outerwear:
- Light waterproof jacket (Paris & London showers common)
- Sleepwear
- Underwear & socks (enough for 10–12 days or plan laundry)
- Comfortable walking shoes/trainers
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (for daytime concerts & sightseeing)
Music & Performance Gear
- Instrument(s) (if portable; confirm large instruments supplied/loaned)
- Music folder & sheet music
- Reeds, strings, sticks, valve oil, spare mouthpieces, etc. (bring extras – not always available overseas)
- Instrument case with name tag
- Performance accessories (shoulder rests, tuners, metronome, etc.)
- Black performance folder (for choral singers)
Toiletries & Health
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, soap, hairbrush/comb
- Travel-sized sunscreen & lip balm
- Reusable water bottle
- Small pack of tissues
- Hand sanitiser
- Mobile phone & charger
- Universal power adapter (UK & Europe compatible)
- Power bank/portable charger
- Headphones/earbuds
Clothing Expectations
All clothing and accessories must be appropriate and in keeping with Westminster School Casual Day standards. Tour staff reserve the right to ask a student to change their attire if required.
Inclusions
Group international airfares (economy) and taxes
Quality youth/group accommodations in Paris, Ypres, Swindon/Cotswolds, and London
Ground transport between destinations and major activities
Rehearsal spaces and performance venue arrangements
Guided educational visits (battlefields/commemoration sites and key city highlights)
Tour management & staff supervision
Exclusions:
Some meals, personal spending, instrument/oversize baggage variations (if applicable), insurance excesses, and any optional activities.
Payments and Conditions
Initial deposit: $2,000, due by Friday 15 August (TryBooking link provided with this update).
Payment schedule: issued after airline confirmation; indicative cadence:
- 25% at start of Term 4 (2025)
- 25% at start of Term 1 (2026)
- Balance at start of Term 2 (2026)
Refunds: All deposits and payments are non-refundable. Any withdrawal is subject to travel insurance terms and any supplier contract provisions. Westminster will assist but cannot guarantee refunds from suppliers.
Participation is contingent on the ongoing payment of normal school fees.
Itinerary
Day 1
Thursday 25 June
Depart Adelaide International Airport (long-haul flight to Europe, airline TBC).
Transit via Middle East/Asia hub.
Overnight in-flight.
Day 2
Friday 26 June
Arrive in Paris, transfer to accommodation (Generator Paris).
Orientation walk and light sightseeing.
Evening group dinner and rest.
Day 3
Saturday 27 June
Disneyland Paris performance (ensemble showcase).
Enjoy Disneyland attractions for the day.
Return to accommodation.
Day 4
Sunday 28 June
Paris city highlights: Eiffel Tower, Seine riverfront, Tuileries/Louvre precinct.
Group rehearsal.
Evening at leisure.
Day 5
Monday 29 June
Travel from Paris to Ypres, Belgium (Peace Village accommodation).
Orientation and historical introduction.
Group dinner together.
Day 6
Tuesday 30 June
Battlefield and memorial visits (e.g., Flanders region).
Rehearsal and preparation for performances.
Cultural activity in Ypres town.
Day 7
Wednesday 1 July
Visit local schools for exchange/workshop sessions (music + cultural).
Explore local town museums/WWI sites.
Evening: informal performance.
Day 8
Thursday 2 July
Day trip to Dunkirk or surrounding areas (subject to routing).
Educational tours on war history.
Rehearsal time in the evening.
Day 9
Friday 3 July
Travel from Ypres to Swindon, UK (Village Hotel Swindon).
Orientation in local area.
Group dinner.
Day 10
Saturday 4 July
Music workshops with UK partner schools (Music Is Fun program).
Rehearsals with combined ensembles.
Social/cultural activities with local students.
Day 11
Sunday 5 July
Continued school workshops and rehearsals.
Excursion to Bath / Cotswolds cultural highlights.
Community music evening.
Day 12
Monday 6 July
Rehearsals and local school visits.
Possible joint school/community concert.
Day 13
Tuesday 7 July
Transfer to Ypres for feature performance:
Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate (8.00 pm) – Westminster Music is the featured performing group.
Overnight in Ypres or transit back to UK accommodation.
Day 14
Wednesday 8 July
Travel to London (YHA London Central).
Evening group dinner and West End theatre experience.
Day 15
Thursday 9 July
London highlights: Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge.
Outdoor bandstand/community performance (Regent’s Park / Embankment Gardens, TBC).
Day 16
Friday 10 July
London sightseeing: Borough Market, Covent Garden, Thames River.
Theatre/musical workshop.
Concert performance in London (venue TBC).
Day 17
Saturday 11 July
Free morning for shopping/exploration.
Depart London (time dependent on airline routing).
Transit via Doha (if Qatar Airways) or alternate hub.
Possible Doha day program (if long layover).
Day 18
Sunday 12 July
Continue long-haul travel back to Adelaide.
Day 19
Monday 13 July
Arrive in Adelaide.
Please direct further enquiries regarding the trip, or the nature of the activities, to:
Payments & Finances: Jaime Wilson, JWilson@westminster.sa.edu.au and Darren McLachlan, DMcLachlan@westminster.sa.edu.au
Pastoral or Musical: Chris Gould, CGould@westminster,sa,edu.au and Kellie Blacker, KBlacker@westminster.sa.edu.au
Tour Organisation: Darren McLachlan, DMcLachlan@westminster.sa.edu.au