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Testimonials

Don't just take our word for it that we'll rock your crowd! Here are some recent comments from organisers that have hired us and charities we have supported:

 

Organisers of Potton Big Weekend, August 2014

THANK YOU for attending our modest event.  Seeing people on our carnival route getting into the beat of the music before even seeing the musicians was great to watch, and I can only say that we have had nothing but fabulous feedback about yourselves.

Beccy Turner, East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) at Milton Gala Day & Fun Dog Show, May 2014

Thank you so much to all the members of Arco Iris for coming along to the Gala Day, which saw the sun shining for MOST of the day! Your performances were fantastic as always!

The day raised a wonderful £5210.10 approximately £500 more than last year. Then along with Corporate sponsorship & sponsorship of the dog classes a further £5010.00 is due making a grand total of £10,220.10. This has paid for almost two days of care at the Milton hospice.

Thank you so much one again!

B Symes, Judges Business School Halloween Gig, October 2012

Saw the band on Saturday night at the University Arms Hotel in Cambridge and we were totally blown away, please please make a cd so that we can buy one! GREAT STUFF keep up the good work.

Juliet Hughes, The Big Weekend, July 2012

Thank you so much for a wonderful morning with Arco Iris today. My two boys absolutely loved the opportunity to play with you all on stage. We were really impressed by the whole event, and in particular the way the children were included with so much on stage.

Caroline Mead, Oxfam Cambridge, Oxjam Takeover, October 2011

Thanks so much for supporting our event and kicking it off in style yesterday!  The Arco Iris bucket collection raised £381.00 and the event in total raised £3,500 for Oxfam (plus a few bits and pieces still to come) so we are really pleased. Great to see so many of you at the event in the evening too, I hope you enjoyed it!

Paul from the Willingham Action Group, Willingham Feast, October 2011

Thanks again for starting our Feast with such a series of bangs, bings, bongs ..... It was a resounding success!! And you are such lovely people!!

Heather Merryweather, Organiser Houghton Feast, July 2011

Huge thanks from Feast week for the fantastic show you put on for us yesterday. I heard nothing but compliments from everyone and all ages enjoyed it.

Pat Till, UK Centre for Carnival Arts, Carnival Crossroads, Strawberry Fair, June 2011

I would just like to thank you for all your help on Carnival Crossroads project and for your commitment to the project. I didn’t have a chance to come and thank everybody at the end of the parade as we had to sort out the costumes, but please could you pass on our thanks to all members of the band for their inspiration - everybody played really well and helped contribute to the success of the project in Cambridge. People seemed to enjoy it and get a lot out of it …which is what it’s all about. Please could you thank and congratulate everybody from Arco Iris for their performance and for their participation in the project.

Saskia Carlebur, Organiser, Cambridge RAG Week, March 2011

Thank you so much for your help with the carnival parade on Sunday, I can't even express how grateful I am of your support - you really did make the parade!  All of the attention that we received raised a total of 710 pounds in less than 2 hours; which will all be donated to Save the Children. This is higher than totals from previous years when we had a far greater number of volunteers participating..so its safe to say we did a fantastic job. I genuinely don't think we could have come anywhere near this total had the Samba Band not been involved to not only attract the crowd's attention but impress them as well!

Damian Hebron, Frank Lee Centre, Addenbrookes' Fireworks, November 2010

The response on Saturday was fantastic and I think people really enjoyed the performance. I have had only positive feedback and lots of it. The band set just the right tone and we all had a good time.  I have received lots of requests already to book you for next year - so I hope you guys are up for it!

Ruth Hardie, Cambridge University Faculty of Music Outreach Program, October 2010

Thank you SO MUCH for playing at the event on October 20th. You were absolutely amazing and the kids loved it!!!

Catherine, Judge Business School, MBA Haloween Party, October 2010

I am glad that Saturday went well for you, the band were brilliant and the students absolutely loved you!  In fact, we have sent them the band’s details and information about your upcoming gig at the Mill Road Winter Fair so hopefully you will see a few of them there!

Hannah, Bridge the Gap Event Organiser, September 2010

Just wanted to say a huge thank you for yesterday- you were awesome and everyone loved you!

Brian Conyngham, Drogheda Samba Festival Organiser, June 2010

Hi all in Cambridge, Thanks again for your fantastic musical contribution to the festival and your co-operation with the programme. Your magic formula worked on the audience once more, especially on the Sunday evening.

Mark, Waterbeach Community Association, June 2010

We just wanted to say thank you to you and the Arco Iris group for performing at Waterbeach Feast on Saturday.  We have received many complimentary comments about your performance and how good you were to attend at such short notice.  Please pass on our appreciation to all those concerned.  Once again, thank you.

Nicky Jackson, Community Fundraiser, East Anglia's Children's Hospices, May 2010

On behalf of everyone at EACH and all the Milton Friends I would like to say a huge thank you to you and all the members of the Cambridge community samba band for opening our Gala Day in such a spectacular way. Everyone commented on how they loved the sound and we had a couple people asking how they could join. It was fantastic to see you all and hear you all play.   Despite the dire weather we raised a fantastic £4,000 which will directly benefit local children with life-threatening conditions and complex healthcare needs.

Phil Pugh, Surpise Birthday Celebrator, February 2010

"Thank you, thank you, thank you and thank you again to Arco Iris for playing at, and being a major part of my surprise 50th celebrations!  From the moment Colin and the band stepped into the room, the atmosphere was electric. The samba rhythms were definitely contagious and all the guests thoroughly enjoyed the performance. The evening was amazing and one I will remember for a very long time."

Joanna Davies, Fundraising, MSF UK, January 2010

Thank you so much for your amazing donation of £503.60 raised through busking in Cambridge towards the work of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). It must have been a truly wonderful day! Your generous support allows us to respond quickly in emergencies to provide lifesaving medical care. (The other £503.60 went to Oxfam... )

Jo Vidler, Organizing Gardener, Secret Garden Party

Thank you to all of you....  Again you guys were brilliant xxx

Will, Cambridge United Football Club

Thank you so much for today. Sounded fantastic.

Nicola Henderson, St Neots Carnival Chair person

Just wanted to say a massive thank you to Luke and the band! You kept
the crowds going, dancing and showed true carnival spirit! You were all amazing and very talented and cant wait to have you back for St Neots carnival 2010. I would recommend you to any event, completely fab. Thankyou.

 
Cambridge University Judge Business School MBA Graduation Ball Saturday 16th of May, 2009
Debbie Promosso: MBA Event Team

Thanks Luke, was a great evening and your Samba rhythms was awesome!

Alexandra Pain: MBA Event Coordinator

I am glad that the band had a good night too, we are very pleased
with the results and it was a great night.

Alison Tomura: MBA Event Team

Thanks for your fantastic performance on Saturday night! It brought the Business School alive. Everyone, from alumni to lecturers, and all the professional staff, loved it. You guys are amazing.

Natasha Wilson: MBA Event Team

I have had the chance to see the band perform 3 times and it's a different experience on each occasion. It all depends on the physical environment and the energy in the room. The rhythms really help making you feel alive and happy. It is as if your body and your heart are responding to the tempo. I think you're a great band! Keep doing what you do!

Cambridge University 800 year anniversary -  Cambridge United v Oxford United 29th January 2009
Sue Long
Festivals and Outreach Officer
Office of External Affairs and Communications
University of Cambridge

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  The band really made the evening and what a brilliant
turn out by them all in such cold weather!  I tried to thank as many of them
as possible last night but if you could pass on our thanks at your next
meeting I would be very grateful.

Mill Road Winter Fair 2008
Event organisers

Just a quick note to thank you so much for fabulous performances yesterday. You get better and better. For me, traditionally now, it is the moment when I relax at the end of the Winter Fair day. I come and boogie at the Swimming Pool and stop worrying. The Arco Iris has become synonymous for me with the release of stress. I *love* the band and wasn't it the most fabulous evening? The late light sunset was so beautiful.

Can you please thank the band for us. You are one of the best things about really great Mill Road!!

Hallowe'en Party of the Judge Business School, October 2008

On behalf of myself, the MBA Team and the class of 2008 we would like to thank you all for the fantastic evening that we had at the University Arms Hotel on Friday night.

The students loved it and it was such a success that we are already thinking of next year 🙂

Benefit gig for the Mashi Foundation, October 2008
Sarah Clarke

I just wanted to get in touch and say a big thank you for coming along on Saturday night. It was a fantastic success in terms of raising money as well as everybody having a really great time.  I've ad lots of comments about Arco Iris and how entertaining and fun you are! You were all great and I very grateful for you supporting his event.  I'm already thinking about what next!

Workshop for the Cambridge Refugee Support Group, October 2008
Lucas Keen

On behalf of all our clients who attended the workshop on Saturday 11th October may I say a Big Thankyou! We enjoyed very much the chance to learn samba rhythms and opportunity to try a wide variety of percussion instruments.  The enthusiasm, clarity and patience of the teachers and the relaxed and inclusive spirit of the band was very much appreciated.
Participating in the workshop may have inspired some of those who were there to join in your Wednesday evening practices!Thanks again.

Cancer Research UK Run 10K at Ickworth House, September 2008

I just wanted to say thank you for coming to the Run 10k at Ickworth House yesterday - I've heard some really good reports about the music.  I'm just sorry I didn't get to hear it first hand.

Gemma

Bridge the Gap, September 2008

I have had numerous comments from walkers about how wonderful the band was and how the music created a fantastic atmosphere on Jesus Green. People also mentioned that they liked it when they could hear the band because they knew they were getting towards the end of the route!

Emma Wenborn

 

Cambridge Christmas Parade and Lighting Ceremony, December 2007

Thank you very much for being part of the Cambridge Christmas Lights Switch Parade on Sunday 18th November. Please thank the band - They were wonderful and helped to make the event a huge success.

This was the first year we had such an ambitious programme and I think it went extremely well. By the time the actual switch on took place the market squeare was absolutely packed! It was probably our most successful switch on so far. It didn't rain until about 5.30pm, so we were lucky!

We plan to build on this for next year and it would be great if the samba band could do this again next year - Perhaps next year you would like to be at the front of the parade? We had really good feedback about the Samba band.

Heather, Event Organiser, Cambridge City Council.

Harambee benefit gig, Cambridge, July 2007

Thank you to you all so much for playing at our 20th Anniversary Party at the Harambee Centre. You made an  enourmous  contribution to the night with the volume, energy and sheer dancability of your band's music. It was afantastic way of kick-starting the night and loosening everybody up with a good dance. I love the way everyone in Arco Iris always looks like they are having a great time - It's very contagious! Thank you again

Jane Carpenter, Harambee Centre

Drogheda Samba Festival, Ireland, July 2007

Arco Iris have played at Drogheda Samba Festival for the last five years in a row and each year they have been the band that brought the house down. This year they proved that even in the pouring rain their lively performance could inspire the audience to demand more and more...."

Brian Conyngham, organising committee

Pembroke College May Ball, June 2007

Just wanted to say that you guys were awesome - people were amazed. Even the College Porters were moved from a gruff silence.

Event Organisers

Waterbeach Festival, June 2007

You were all fab yesterday and so many positive responses. This may be far too early or premature, I want to book you for next year.

Event organisers

Marie Curie Cancer Cure, March 2007

Please pass on a huge thank you to all the Arco Iris members who played for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Cambridge Market Place on Saturday 3rd of March. I am delighted to tell you that with your help we were able to raise over £3,400. This will help Marie Curie Cancer Care to provide much needed practical nursing care to terminally ill people. Each £20 provides an hour of home nursing care and the service is totally free to patients and their families. On the day we really wanted to grab the public's attention; stand out and be noticed and you certainly helped us achieve this. The band were truly amazing, a huge crowd of people gathered who, thanks to Arco Iris, suddenly became very happy and very generous. Unfortunately we are not always a very cool charity to support, but you made us very cool that day. So thank you Arco Iris

Laura Sale, Marie Curie Cancer Care

 

 

 

Freedom Club TimeBank, September 2006

 

On behalf of the Freedom Club TimeBank I would just like to say a big thank you for Arco Iris coming and playing at our launch event on the 16th of September. All our members and guests loved the music - it really gave the party a massive boost. It was also really nice that your members managed to stay and find out a little more about the timeBank.

In addition, people coming to the party mentioned it was a great way to find where we were. They just followed the music! Thanks again for bringing your carnival sounds to a grey September Cambridge day.

David Boffey, Freedom Club TimeBank

 

Wedding, August 2006

Just a note to thank you SO much for your fantastic performance last night, and for managing to sneak in without being spotted with all your kit! You were absolutely brilliant, everything we had hoped, and you certainly had the impact on our guests that we were looking for. Everyone loved it, especially us! I'm sorry we didn't have time to listen to more - I hope you understand that we were running behind time (and my poor grandfather was finding it too noisy!), but I did feel rude having to stop you, apologies for that. You had certainly impressed everyone well before then however! We really appreciate you giving up your Friday evening to make our wedding such an utterly memorable experience! Thank you so much - please do pass on our sincere thanks to everyone who played!

Lucy and James Woodcock

 

DEARA, July 2006

On behalf of the Darwin / Erasmus / Akeman Resident's Association, I would like to thank you for providing a wonderful kick-off to our Rainbow Street Party. The parade around the streets drew people out of their homes ("I heard the band, I followed you down the street!), and the atmosphere you generated was exactly what we needed to loosen people up. Later, when people talk about the party, they will remember the rhythmic start.

Vivek Iyer, Treasurer, DEARA

 

 

 

Thurlowe Fayre, September 2005

 

Wow! You were all fantastic. Everyone I spoke to were amazed at the whole performance... the look, the rhythm and the range of 'music' you can make.... Thanks for the tremendous atmosphere you all added to the event.

Susanne White, Secretary, Thurlow Fayre Committee

 

Pink Picnic, Cambridge, August 2005

Just want to say on behalf of PINK a big thank you to Acro Iris for performing on the day. It was perfect, especially the parade through the crowd and then in front of main stage, (with nothing less than a police escort!)

Event organisers

 

Comme Vous Emoi, Paris, May 2005

You are fantastic. Everybody around here is talking about this band from England all the people in the town are asking about this band from England, they all love you. You were wonderful. You can come back here anytime and stay keep in touch please come back next year you are such a happy group, you have brought really good energy to the carnival

Event organisers