In April, the Australian Pipe Bands Championships will return to where it all started 63 years ago.
Maryborough’s Princes Park will echo to the sound of bagpipes and drums as the best pipe bands in Australia battle it out for the coveted championship title. With a proud Scottish history dating back to 1857, The Maryborough Highland Society is a fitting host for the event, having held the inaugural championship back in 1961.
Karen Wallace is the Chair of Pipe Bands Victoria (PVB). As Karen explained, the world’s oldest pipe band association, the Victorian Highland Pipe Band Association (VHPBA), was formed following discussions at the Maryborough Highland Gathering in January 1924.
“PBV is delighted that 2024 will see the centenary of the VHPBA and the return of the Australian Championships to Maryborough for the first time in over 60 years,” Karen said.
“We are expecting 29 bands with about 15 to 30 members per band, so we are anticipating approximately 700 pipers and drummers.”
The day starts at 8.30 am when bands assemble for a march through High Street to Princes Park. Then begins a celebration of all things Scottish, with food stalls, clan tents, Scottish dancing, strong men and women events and the Girl-on-the-Drum spectacular.
After a full day of music and entertainment, celebrations will continue at the Highland Society for what promises to be a memorable evening.
“I would sincerely like to welcome everyone to come along to the Australian Pipe Bands Championships,” Karen said.
“The championships rotate around the states every two years and were last in Victoria in 2014. It’s wonderful to be holding them again in Victoria, but we’re particularly delighted to be returning to the home of the championships at Maryborough.”
