Community
Invercargill is fast becoming the pipe band capital of New Zealand, hosting the New Zealand champs again in early March and with most number of teams entered.
The event was last held here in 2020 - the final event before Covid-19 lockdown, leaving hundreds of pipers scrambling to get home before the country came to a halt.
Held at the Queens Park Cricket Grounds and an impressive event for spectators as well, 57 bands and over 1500 pipers will descend on the city, with accommodation booked right across the city, and also into surrounding towns for the March 7 and 8 event.
It will be the largest pipe band competition ever staged in the country, and judging by last time, thousands of people will be listening and watching - including on livestream around the world.
A highlight of the weekend will be the famous Street March on Saturday morning, which will wind its way down Gala Street, showcasing the skill and precision of the competing bands.
Ali McKenzie is the pipe major of the Invercargill Grade 1 band and pipe band director of the whole organisation.
He said it was always a special time getting to play in front of your home crowd and the organisation is very excited to welcome all the other bands from around New Zealand, and Australia back down to Invercargill for another fantastic national champs.
“All bands are building very nicely and extra practices are going in both at the hall and at homes around Southland to make sure it’s another nationals to remember.”
President of the Band Brendan Copeland said the event wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of its volunteer committee and the incredible support they have received from the local community.
“Hosting an event of this magnitude is no small task, but thanks to the efforts of our sponsors and volunteers, we’re able to bring something truly special to Invercargill.”
Generous support and funding has come from Invercargill City Council (ICC), Great South, ILT, Community Trust South, Aotearoa Gaming Trust, and NZAS.
The event will feature world class performances from top pipe bands, Scottish clan history tents, food vendors, and expert piping and drumming specialists from across the globe.
Invercargill will have five bands competing in the championships, along with several others from across Southland.
Organising committee liaison Jack King, who was also the only member on the committee performing as well, said having five bands perform from Invercargill just highlighted that band piping was on the up and growing throughout New Zealand.
The biggest growth area was the juvenile under 18 age group and there would be many schools from Australia coming to compete.
The Invercargill Grade 1 band often performed at high profile events around Southland and Otago including Highlanders matches, and festivals.
“Our Scottish heritage is quite important,” he said.
At the end of the national event all 1500 pipers play at once and you can heard the sound resonating all over the city.
Adult tickets are available from just $10, with children aged 16 and under attending for free. Tickets can be purchased online via Humanitix or at the event gates with cash and eftpos. Tickets here https://bitly.cx/GvvM