The Whakatāne Scottish Pipe Band has announced the inaugural Whakatāne Pipe Bands Festival, creating a “welcoming and inclusive” environment to celebrate the sights and sounds of pipe banding.
This event is unlike traditional competitions; it has been designed to encourage participation and development, with bands having the option to compete or take part in the non-competitive “comments-only” section, where they can receive feedback from judges.
Event organiser and Pipe Major Bevan George said the festival is about more than competition.
“We want to showcase pipe bands to our community while giving players of all levels the chance to perform, learn and enjoy the camaraderie that makes pipe banding so special,” he said.
The festival is a full-day affair, beginning with a street march around the Whakatāne High School grounds, followed by ground performances including set and own-choice pieces.
To conclude the day, a massed bands performance will take place before the prizegiving.
A Scottish-themed market will be available all day, with spectators encouraged to come along to “enjoy a day of music, tradition and community spirit.”
The event is open to all bands, including school, community and non-affiliated groups.
The festival will be held on Saturday, 26 September at Whakatāne High School.
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