Handbells and Scotland! What more could a ringer want?
I recently had the pleasure of leading 44 handbell ringers and enthusiasts on a tour of Scotland prior to the 22nd International Handbell Symposium in Aberdeen. Our travels took us through Edinburgh, Stirling, Glasgow, Dunblane, Fort William, Inverness, and other picturesque locations. We explored ancient castles, stood in places steeped in Scottish history, enjoyed local cuisine, and soaked in some of the most breathtaking landscapes imaginable.
As wonderful as the tour was, the highlight for many of us was arriving in Aberdeen for the International Handbell Symposium. Hosted this year by the Handbell Ringers of Great Britain, the event welcomed ringers from Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Founded in the early 1980’s by Mrs. Sun-Joo Shin and Mr. David Davidson, the Symposium ethos was to “promote handbells; as a musical art, a means of communication between nations and reaching for world peace through the spirit of music.” The event in Aberdeen certainly upheld these ideals!
Aberdeen was my fourth time attending an International Symposium. Each event begins with a “Friendship Reception” at which attendees exchange small gifts from their perspective countries, begin making new friends and catching up with old ones. The first official event is the Opening Ceremony which includes the moving “Procession of Flags,” sort of like what happens at the Olympics. The week is comprised of mass rehearsals, workshops, with some time for sightseeing.
Held every two years, the International Handbell Symposium is a not to be missed event for Handbell Ringers and enthusiasts. The 23rd International Handbell Symposium will be held in Singapore the first week of August 2028. A pre-tour is already being worked on!
Interested in more handbell related travels? Check out the 2027 European Handbell Festival!
