KILTS on and bagpipes blown up, the Coffs Harbour Pipe Band members headed off recently to attend and compete at the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes over the weekend of 4 – 7 May. 23

Members played in various bands, including the NSW Highlanders, Murrumba Pipe Band and Grafton Pipe Band.

This, the 31st Australian Celtic Festival, had the theme of ‘The Year Of Scotland’.

The NSW Highlanders competed in the Pipe Bands Australia competition in preparation for attending the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland in 2024.

“The band did an amazing job on the day,” band spokesperson Dale Rogers told News Of The Area.

“The day started with a dawn ceremony at the Australia Standing Stones national Celtic monument, in the mist of the fresh tablelands morning, then bands stepped out for the street parade with one of the largest crowds for many years.

“The march was followed by a very impressive mass band performance in front of the Glen Innes town hall.

“The sun shone through to have an amazing sunny day on the tablelands,” she said.

The bands then travelled up to the Standing Stones for the competitions.

The NSW Highlanders competed in both Grade 4B and 4A and were proud to take second place in Grade 4B behind winners, the Moree Pipe Band.

The Standing Stones site came alive with Celtic concerts throughout the day featuring the Australian Celtic Dance Championships, Celtic markets, food vans, jousting, Celtic dog parade, Highland Dancers and many other activities, even kilted yoga.

“Glen Innis held a Highland fun run, a poet’s breakfast with activities running over four days including a huge line-up of music, dance, ceremonies, live-action, re-enactors, stalls and kids’ activities.”

“We look forward to attending next year’s event,” closed Dale.

By Andrea FERRARI