Percy and the Bandstand

"I hope I didn't blow my whistle too loudly." "Not at all, Percy. You showed you were in charge."

- Percy and Sir Topham Hatt

Percy and the Bandstand is the eighteenth episode of the twelfth season.

Plot
Jack and Alfie are helping to build a bandstand at Great Waterton. That evening, there will be an open-air concert as a surprise for Lady Hatt who is a big fan of brass bands. All of the engines have special jobs; Edward is bringing special parcels, Thomas is bringing banners and bunting, and Percy is bringing gravel for the pathways. When Percy arrives at Great Waterton, the trucks are being troublesome and refuse to be shunted. Percy knows to use his "do-as-I-say" whistle which tells the trucks that Percy is in charge and they have to do what he wants. The Fat Controller is impressed and gives Percy the job of bringing Lady Hatt to the concert. Percy is then instructed to not tell Lady Hatt where he is taking her as it would ruin the surprise. Percy agrees and collects a carriage before heading to Maithwaite to pick up Lady Hatt.

At Maithwaite, Percy tells Lady Hatt that Sir Topham Hatt has asked him to take her on a special trip. Lady Hatt misunderstands and tells Percy that first she would like to visit the duck pond. Percy knows there is not enough time to do that, but does not dare tell Lady Hatt. At the duck pond, Lady Hatt watches the ducks. Eventually, Lady Hatt climbs back on board and tells Percy she would like to visit the windmill next. Again, Percy does not want to tell Lady Hatt what to do and steams off the windmill. There, Lady Hatts starts talking to Dusty Miller and Percy is left becoming increasingly more worried. At last, Lady Hatt finishes talking to the miller and tells Percy that she would like to go to the woods. Like last time, Percy goes along with Lady Hatt's wishes and soon arrives at the woods. Lady Hatt wanders off to admire some bluebells, when Thomas arrives. He tells Percy that the Fat Controller is becoming cross as Lady Hatt has not arrived yet. Percy promises to get Lady Hatt to the bandstand in time and Thomas puffs away. Percy is left with no other option than to blow his "do-as-I-say" whistle. Lady Hatt walks out from the trees clutching a handful of bluebells. Percy tells her that he has to take her to a surprise. Lady Hatt is delighted, but wishes Percy had told her sooner.

Percy and Lady Hatt arrive at Great Waterton on time. She is delighted with her surprise and thanks Percy for getting her there in time. The Fat Controller also thanks Percy for keeping the bandstand a surprise. Percy's "do-as-I-say" whistle had saved the day.

Characters

 * Thomas
 * Percy
 * Jack
 * Sir Topham Hatt
 * Lady Hatt
 * Edward (does not speak)
 * Alfie (does not speak)
 * Miss Jenny (does not speak)
 * Dusty Miller (does not speak)
 * Sodor Brass Band (does not speak)
 * Annie and Clarabel (cameo)
 * Max or Monty (cameo)
 * The Teacher (cameo)
 * The Ginger-haired Boy (cameo)
 * James (stock footage cameo)
 * Emily (stock footage cameo)

Locations

 * Great Waterton
 * Maithwaite
 * The Windmill
 * The Duck Pond
 * Sodor River Bridge

Trivia

 * Behind the scenes footage of The Great Discovery included Pierce Brosnan reading the script of this episode.
 * Stock footage from Don't be Silly, Billy, Edward and the Mail and Percy and the Left Luggage is used.
 * A rare picture shows Percy's reflection in the water with his face mask rather than his CGI face.
 * This episode aired before The Great Discovery came out in the UK, meaning that the audience may have not known what Great Waterton was.
 * This episode marks the last of several things:
 * Miss Jenny's last appearance to date.
 * Alfie and Max/Monty's last appearance until Sodor's Legend of the Lost Treasure.
 * Jack's last appearance until King of the Railway.
 * The last episode of the series that Paul Larson has so far written by himself.
 * The last time members of the Pack are seen in an episode in the main television series until the nineteenth season episode, The Other Side of the Mountain.

Goofs

 * When Percy pushes his trucks into Great Waterton the first truck is shown from it's back side. However, when the trucks start to misbehave, the first truck flips position and gains a face.
 * Lady Hatt is much too tall when Percy tells her that she has to go to the "surprise destination".
 * When Percy arrives at the bandstand with Lady Hatt, his coach disappears.

UK

 * The Complete Twelfth Series
 * The Best of Percy

DVD Boxsets

 * The Best of Friends

AUS

 * The Complete Twelfth Series

US

 * Percy and the Bandstand

DVD Boxsets

 * Adventure Pack

FRA

 * Best Friends (French DVD)

GER

 * Best Friends (German DVD)