French Quarter Festival Tour Continued
Thursday 6th April
After breakfast the group congregated in our hospitality room, all dressed in red, white and blue with some going that extra mile! Well done everyone you looked fantastic. Donned with flags and as many beads as we could wear we set off for the starting point of the parade. Soon we were off and ‘second lining’ behind our very own band – The Society Brass Band – with our banner stating ‘The Brits are Back’. The atmosphere was unbelievable with the crowd cheering “here comes the Brits”. What a kick off to the French Quarter Festival. The rest of the day was spent with the group catching up with their favourite bands and musicians and enjoying the wonderful weather.
Friday 7th April
Early this morning a small group of us took a trip out to Barataria Preserve; this area is so pretty and includes bayous, swamps, marshes and forests and is home to over two hundred bird species. Armed with binoculars and cameras we were lucky to see a good varied amount of flora and fauna. After spending a few hours walking the boardwalks we head back to town to catch the afternoon at the festival.
Saturday 8th April
The festival continues and there is plenty to enjoy, whether it is traditional Jazz, Cajun, Zydeco, Gospel, Blues and Rock. Music is found everywhere and not only on the stages. You can just turn a corner and there could be one of your favourites just playing in the street. Along with films, talks, special events and free dance lessons, there is absolutely something for everyone.
Sunday 9th April
It being Sunday and a local tradition, some of the group enjoyed a brunch in the lovely courtyard of The Court of Two Sisters. The buffet brunch offers an amazing array of Southern dishes including Eggs Benedict, omelettes, pancakes, boiled shrimp and crawfish, Shrimp Etouffee, and Creole Jambalaya, as well as the usual breakfast items. This is a lovely way to spend a few hours with newly made friends whilst being entertained by the resident jazz trio. The festival continues and finished in the early evening.
