History - 1995

The Cavaliers enjoyed new opportunities in 1995. Their performances to date gained them the chance to enter the European Showband Championships held in Lier, Belgium. The music for their 1995 show was specifically chosen to appeal to European audiences and featured music from Disney films including "The Lion King".

In April the band travelled from Basingstoke to Lier, stopping off in Braine l'Alleude (Basingstoke's Belgian "twin town") where they performed in the town square and then attended a reception hosted by the Mayor. The following day it was a tremendous achievement for The Cavaliers to be judged Overall Winners and to return home as European Showband Champions.

The band's success was highlighted when they were invited to appear on BBC-1's "Blue Peter" television programme. Later in the year The Cavaliers returned to the BBC Studios to record an appearance on the "Record Breakers" show.

Alan Lamport, Cavaliers Publicity Officer describes the events of May 27th/28th 1995:

"Our weekend started with the loading of the equipment van at 7:30pm on Friday evening, which then set off for Dover followed by 4 coaches (two for the band and two for the supporters). From Dover we caught the 3:00am ferry to arrive in Calais at 4:30am."

"It was then a quick dash to Braine l'Alleude (just south of Brussels) where the band was given breakfast. They then performed their show for the Mayor and residents in the Grand Place in front of the Town Hall after which they received a civic reception in the Council Chambers. And then it was on to their temporary accomodation in Lier and rehearsal."

"On Sunday 28th bandmembers and supporters arrived at the stadium. Our kids were determined to do well and had requested extra practices before coming over to Europe. With the supporters nearly lifting the roof off the stand and the support of the Pit Crew who entered into the spirit with their "Aladdin" costumes, The Cavaliers played their hearts out, finishing with an ending that had only just been added that morning. They received a standing ovation from all, including the judges. Some bandmembers had put so much into the show that on leaving the arena they fainted."

"All that effort was well rewarde with the band receiving the awards for Best Marching (Drill & Deportment), Best Visuals (Display & Showmanship) and the Gold Medal for Best Show Band, and they were no more than 0.5% out in all other sections!! To top it all they were awarded The Europa Cup as the contest's Supreme Champions giving them the title of European Showband Champions."