THE Epping Forest Band were given a taste of Teutonic hospitality when they visited their twin town in Germany for a music festival.

Members of the band visited the town of Eppingen for the weekend to join in with Heimattage festival which celebrates the south German town's links with places across Europe.

Hosted by Eppingen families, the band were able to take part in a number of events including a guided tour and a trip to the winery to sample some of the local vintage.

The weekend was not just about having fun and drinking wine though, and Saturday evening saw the band show off their talents on the main stage where they entertained the crowds with other invited bands.

Sunday morning saw the festival's main event when the band joined 60 groups and floats connected with Eppingen on a musical procession through the town.

Used to a more sedentary playing style, the band practised for the procession by marching in the band room car park.

Bandmaster Andy Brittin said: “The weekend was a great success. The band enjoyed themselves enormously, and are now refreshed and ready for their next outing, a Proms Concert on Epping Green, which takes place on Sunday, August 1 at 3pm.”