A group of Hexham residents made their way to Metzingen, south of Stuttgart in south-western German, by various means - car, train and plane. Friday was a chance to visit sights in the area such as the university city of Tübingen and Lichtenstein Castle. The first public event was the opening ceremony of the 'Town and Homeland Festival', which takes place every three years. Mayor of Metzingen, Carmine Haberstroh, broke open a beer barrel on the stage of a huge tent and all joined in a toast with a fanfare by the town's brass band. There was a lively music programme into the later evening.

On Saturday morning Hexham guests and hosts assembled in the centre of Metzingen alongside many school groups, clubs, unions and bands. The procession set off through the centre of the town in temperatures around 30°C/ 86°F. Traditionally people in the procession hand out sweets to local children watching the procession, so Hexham visitors had brought supplies of British toffees to distribute. The Hexham party was also joined by our other twin town, Noyon in France, and all marched together, arriving in the field on the edge of Metzingen in the early afternoon. Guests were entertained to lunch courtesy of Metzingen Council. Throughout the early afternoon the music was provided by a several brass bands from the region, giving a great atmosphere.

The latter part of the day was free for visiting locations in around Metzingen, with another lively music session provided in the big tent that evening. The beer flowed. On Sunday, the final day of the visit, hosts had organised a visit by train to Herrenberg, a town to the west of Metzingen. This attractive place boasts many beautiful half-timbered buildings; the services of a guide had been arranged to make the most of the time there. Supper was in a stone-vaulted restaurant, a much cooler environment after the high temperatures earlier in the weekend!

On Monday the Hexham people took their leave of their generous hosts, having experienced so much music, history and international friendship.

Images from the top  © Christine Schlett/  © Cathy Booth/  © Christine Schlett