Our trip to London began last May, when the music department decided to enter the Beaconsfield Choral Festival with a junior and Senior Choir. In September we rigorously auditioned over 100 students and finally arrived at 54, our maximum number. We practiced twice a week until the end of February and were to fly on the 2nd March. Unfortunately, the big snow arrived and our trip was cancelled. The festival went ahead without us.
However on the 28th April, we finally boarded our flight in Knock. We went straight to Convent Garden Market for Lunch. We then did a tour of all sights both by bus and on foot! We then went for dinner and straight on to Wicked the musical, which was a huge hit with everyone. Sleep beckoned all and we were delighted to see our beds as we had been up since 5 a.m.
The next day after a leisurely breakfast, we went to the Dungeons. This was one of the highlights of the trip! Fifty two screaming girls joined by four screaming staff certainly created a very scary charged atmosphere! We then went on to Westfield, one of the biggest shopping centres in the country. We had dinner there, and then returned to our accommodation where we relaxed and packed as we were getting up at 5a.m. for our return flight. Everything went seamlessly and we arrived back in Knock on 30th April in the early afternoon.
It was a very enjoyable trip that went far too fast. No, we didn’t get to sing at our festival or rebook Harry Potter. But we certainly had a few laughs, some nice meals, saw a wonderful musical and enjoyed the company of amazing group of students and staff.
We all have our own memories, but one thing is for sure – it was a tale of two trips!!
We’d like to thank all the staff that accompanied the group, Sr. Mairead for all her help and support and the parents and students for all their patience and cooperation throughout whole period.
