Heart of England in Mogan, Gran Canaria

Join us in the sun in Puerto de Mogán

1st-15th Decmber 2008

Also

23rd March-6th April 2009 28th September-12th October 2009

15th-29th March 2010 4th-18th October 2010

A view of Puerto de Mogán marina from the cliffs that rise behind the resort.

The band regularly jets off to Gran Canaria to play Traditional and Dixieland jazz for two weeks in the idyllic setting of Puerto de Mogán on the island’s sunny South West coast. Puerto de Mogán is the most picturesque resort on the island and according to some, has the best climate in the world!

The old fishing village of Mogán with its narrow passageways and steps is a jumble of houses and apartments clinging to the cliff. The harbour marina area, known as the "Venice of the Canaries", is a pedestrianised development of two-storey apartment blocks with roof terraces bursting with bougainvillea and other gloriously colourful plants and is dotted with gardens of tropical trees and plants.

Puerto de Mogán is packed with excellent restaurants serving local fish landed at the fishing harbour and other Canarian and international specialities. It has two banks, several supermarkets and shops selling clothes, souvenirs, jewellery and much more. There is a huge market every Friday.

The Marina has excellent facilities for yachtsmen whether they need just temporary moorings in the marina, en route to the Caribbean, repairs and servicing or wish to stay for longer periods. Some who arrive like it so much that they never leave!

The sandy beach is protected by a rocky reef, which makes it ideal for safe and easy swimming, while outside the enclosed area is good for those who are more adventurous and like to snorkel.

Each evening except Sundays, the band can be found jazzing it up in the resort’s fabulous marina, in front of the Bar Marina Restaurant, where you can sit and listen to the music, and enjoy a drink or two or a meal from its extensive menu of international cuisine. There is no charge for the jazz. Should you wish to join us, your stay will be in a well-appointed self-catering apartment within the marina complex. During the day, you can laze on the beach, explore the island or take a short ferry trip to the nearby resorts and markets of Puerto Rico and Arguineguin.

APARTMENTS
The apartments are in the Marina complex, and consist of one or two bedrooms, lounge with fully appointed kitchenette and bathroom. You can book a one or two bedroom apartment for one or two weeks. A one bedroom, twin bedded apartment costs 60 euros per night and a two bedroom apartment costs 100 euros per night. No deposit is required, and apartments are paid for during your stay. This can be in euros, Sterling, credit or debit cards, or travellers’ cheques.

FLIGHTS
We leave it to you to book your own flights, the airport on Gran Canaria is Las Palmas. The cost of flights vary according to season and the airport you travel from. Flights can be booked by telephone, on line on the internet, or at your local travel agent. You can fly from any major UK airport, but if you fly from Birmingham on the same flight as the band, you will be able to have free transfer from Las Palmas airport to the resort, a journey of about 45 minutes which will normally cost you about 65 euros for a taxi. Should you wish to book on the band flight, we fly from Birmingham on 1st December on flight MON4628 at 7.00am, returning to Birmingham on flight MON4629 and landing at 4.30pm on 15th December. We recommend Airflights for telephone or online booking. Their telephone number is 0800 083 7007 and the internet address is www.airflights.co.uk, but you may, of course, use any booking agent of your choice.

BOOKINGS
Should you wish to join us, just telephone Dave Smith on 01384 298132 and let him know your requirements. We will contact Mogán to check availability and provisionally book your apartment. We will then phone you back and get you to book your flight tickets. When you have done this, we will contact Mogán again to confirm your booking. You will need to arrange your travel insurance, and make sure that you have at least 6 months left on your passport on the date that you travel.