Having a blast

The 35th edition of the Federal Music Festival - held every five years - has taken place in Lucerne. More than 23,000 band members took part. Experts rate each performance to decide the best in the land. (Pictures and text: Alain Nicolas Lavanchy, swissinfo) swissinfo.ch
Majorettes from Lucerne strut their stuff at the opening ceremony. swissinfo.ch
An important moment at the opening ceremony is the handing over of the official banner by the previous host city - in this case Fribourg. swissinfo.ch
The Henggart Brass Band from canton Zurich marches past the crowd. swissinfo.ch
Hitting the right notes - a member of Fribourg's Concordia band. swissinfo.ch
The Hochdorf marching band from canton Lucerne shows some neat moves. swissinfo.ch
A selection of mouthpieces at the repair shop. swissinfo.ch
Lucerne's marching band stages a gala performance. swissinfo.ch
Lucerne's concert hall is packed to the gunnels for the Konkordia band from Mels in canton St Gallen. swissinfo.ch
The Helvetia harmony from Horgen (Zurich) sets the tone. swissinfo.ch
The Edelweiss musicians from Lens in canton Valais stick to the score. swissinfo.ch
Playing music is hard work. Time for a well-deserved break. swissinfo.ch