The Hamilton and Districts Pipe Band celebrates, this year,120 years of continuous service to the Hamilton community. The sound of bagpipes and drums have been synonymous with Victoria’s western plains since the earliest Scottish and Irish settlers sought to continue their own ancient culture in a new land. In 1904 the Hamilton Pipe Band was formed through the merger of the existing Caledonian Pipe Band and other players.
Amazing milestone
To celebrate this amazing milestone, on Saturday 26 October, the Pipe Band is reviving what was once an annual event and holding the Hamilton Highland Gathering 2024 in the Botanical Gardens. “The Pipe Band is just one of the many clubs and volunteer groups that make Hamilton a great place to live, work and play”, says Band president, Richard Murphy. “The Pipe Band is going to begin the event with a Street Parade made up of visiting pipe bands and local clubs”, Richard explains.
Southern Grampians Shire have sponsored the Pipe Band performances in the Botanical Gardens. Wannon Water has sponsored the Street Parade. Anyone wishing to contact the Hamilton and Districts Pipe Band can phone Ken on 0437 711 444, Richard on 0407 516 532 or see www.hamiltonpipesanddrums.org.au.
Main photo: The Hamilton and Districts Pipe Band, 1912.