Billy the Trumpet, as he is affectionately known to England's legion of cricket fans, has been recruited by South Australia to promote the delights of Adelaide and surrounding regions like the Barossa, Kangaroo Island and the Eyre Peninsula, as ideal places to visit during the Australian Ashes Series this December 2013. 

David Peacock, founding partner of the Barmy Army said: "Adelaide is our spiritual home, our first Barmy Army t-shirts were printed and sold here on the 1994/5 tour, coinciding with England winning a fantastic test match on the last day. 

"Adelaide is the perfect place to watch cricket, it is one of the most picturesque grounds in the world and there is so much to do away from the game including trips to the wineries in the Barossa and then spending a lazy day recovering on Glenelg beach. 

"We are thrilled to be working in partnership with South Australia and encouraging as many England fans as possible to come and support the team and see for themselves what a fantastic sporting and holiday destination Adelaide is".

Whilst Billy will be kitted out in a South Australian-branded outfit, the Barmy Army will promote Adelaide as a holiday destination through social media and will be providing South Australian operators with free listings on their website.

SUGGESTED DAY TRIPS & TOURS 
FREEDOM AUSTRALIA (Tel 0844 567 8040), an official Licensed Travel Operator for the Ashes Series 2013/14, has put together a series of Adelaide Ashes accommodation and ticket packages from £818.

Offers include:
Wine and Wicket self drive, with nine nights' accommodation, five-day match tickets, Match-day programme, from £1,085 2014 Carlton, Mid ODI Series, from £186 - Adelaide on Australia Day, January 26th for the game between England and Australia. Includes one night in Adelaide and match-day ticket Day trips and touring options: Barossa Wine Experience from £94 Kangaroo Island Overnight Explorer from £376 (above) Flinders Ranges accommodation from £54 Adelaide accommodation from £36 Adelaide Dolphin Swim and Cruise from £99.

NOTE TO EDITORS:
Background on Bill Cooper (Billy the Trumpet):

Eight years ago, Billy Cooper, was a successful trumpet player who just happened to like cricket. But a trip to see England play in the West Indies and a bizarre chain of circumstances meant he quickly became a vital part of the Barmy Army, largely responsible for dictating the tempo of a day's entertainment.

Billy is perhaps best known for the ill fated 06/07 Australian Ashes tour which saw him grab as much interest as the cricket itself. A media storm broke after the Australian police stopped him playing at the Brisbane Test.

Billy has been working as a professional trumpeter for more than a decade after studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the Royal Academy of Music during which time he was a member of the prestigious Verbier Festival Orchestra in Switzerland. 

-ENDS-

NOTE TO EDITORS:
For further information & images, input for fact boxes & round ups, to discuss media visits & feature ideas please contact Jovanka Ristich on +44 (0) 1628 630 965 or jovanka@ipr-online.co.uk