A group of students from the Toyota City Junior marching band in Japan are going to be performing in three venues across Derbyshire this month, as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations of the friendship and twinning link between Toyota City, Derby and Derbyshire. The band can be enjoyed at Derby Cathedral on Thursday 10 August 2023 at 2.45pm. The 30 minute performance is free for all to attend and no booking is necessary, people can just come along.
Other performances include:
Tuesday 8 August 2023 at 1pm at Chatsworth Gardens - garden ticket purchase required
Wednesday 9 August 2023 at 1pm at Swadlincote Music in the Park - free for all to attend
Back in 1989 the Toyota Motor Company chose Burnaston as home for its first European car factory. Friendly relations with Japan led to a twinning agreement between the three Derbyshire Local Authorities; Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council, South Derbyshire District Council and Toyota City in 1998.
It is a little known fact that there is a city in Japan called Toyota City. Originally called Koromo, the city was renamed Toyota City in 1959, in recognition of the success of the Toyota Manufacturing Company and its founders the Toyoda family.
The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Alan Graves said:
Derby City Council is proud to be part of the Toyota City Partnership Board which actively works to develop and promote the opportunities created by the twinning link. Numerous projects and activities have taken place over the past twenty five years, including trade visits, business events, educational exchanges and a variety of cultural activities. This has enabled the twining link to bring mutual benefits to many businesses, residents and visitors.
We are delighted to be celebrating this important milestone in the twinning link. I am looking forward to seeing the talented young people of the Toyota City Junior marching band play at Derby Cathedral and hope many people will join us. Thanks to our partners and the venues for their support.”
The Derby and Derbyshire Music Partnership is helping with the organisation of the event. The Partnership works to create high quality music education in and out of schools throughout the county.