They almost didn't make it, due to a strike at Bergen airport - they had to land at Stavanger and take a lengthy bus trip to their destination, but as band secretary Kenny Shields joked: "Bands from Northern Ireland are used to being re-routed."

Despite the travelling hiccup, the band fulfilled its six dates - four parades and two concerts in what must have been the busiest weekend in its 129-year history.

The first of these was at 6.30am on Saturday (Constitution Day) with a parade involving the laying of a wreath at the grave of Johan Brun, the founder of Norway and at the King Olav Kyrres Memorial.

Corcrain then took part in the city's main parade where its brand of music - totally new to the Norwegian ear - was appreciated by the crowd, which was estimated at 250,000 and was eight-deep in places, and often broke in spontaneous applause.

UNIQUE
Said conductor John Richardson: "The applause was amazing. We have never played in front of such a vast crowd and I must say we enjoyed every minute of it."

The next event was an afternoon concert in the city centre, and not only did the crowd enjoy the sound of the flutes and drums, but Thorief Thorsvik, conductor of the city's Sanvikens Brass Band, said that the sound was unique to his ear and he praised the tone and talent of Corcrain.

Then came a trip to the top of Mount Floyen - by mountain rail - and this proved the old maxim "It's a small world" as they met Belfast ex-patriate Gary Reynolds and his Norwegian wife of 26 years, who speaks English with a distinctive Belfast accent.

Gary, a high-powered businessman in Bergen, once played in Ravenhill Flute Band in the city. Corcrain invited him to the gala dinner in the Grand Hotel Terminus and he was delighted.

"It's great to sample such a wonderful, Northern Ireland tradition and to be surrounded by such talented flautists and drummers - it rolls back the years," said Gary.

STRIKE

Local dignitaries at the dinner commented on the talent and deportment of the band, all of whom thoroughly enjoyed their Scandinavian break.

They rounded off the tour with performances on board a fjord cruise and at the Flam and Bergen train stations.

The trip began as it started - in the teeth of an airport strike, and
they flew out of Stavanger just seven minutes before it closed due to industrial action.