Revised date for 2018 Australian Championships

Pipe Bands Australia has sent this: The 2018 Australian Pipe Band Championships will be held at Brisbane Boys’ College on 7 April following a review of planning for the nation’s premier event by host branch Queensland.

The championships were originally planned for the Gold Coast in September next year, however the branch had met challenges securing a suitable venue to showcase performances by an estimated 40 bands, the branch announced today.

Queensland branch chairman Andrew Roach said the partnership with Brisbane Boys’ College would provide capital city exposure for pipe bands.

“The new venue will also bring the experience of both the branch and BBC in presenting successful contests to the organisation of the 2018 Australian championships,” he said.


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“The new date provides an opportunity for bands to attend the Maclean Highland Gathering, one of Australia’s oldest Scottish events, the previous Easter weekend as a build-up to the national championships.

“We will shortly announce details of special price accommodation options in Brisbane for the championships that will fall during the Commonwealth Games being held further south on the Gold Coast.”

Pipe Bands Australia president Chris Earl welcomed the partnership between the Queensland branch and BBC. “The BBC link reminds us of the wonderful work now being done in so many schools to engage new generations in piping and drumming,” he said.

“At our last championships at Knox Grammar School Sydney in 2016, a real highlight was the increased number of youngsters in bands contesting the juvenile title and the amazing quality of performances they put in at the event.

“We have no doubt that the energy and enthusiasm of young players at our 2018 championships will further strengthen the ongoing dedication of all players in all our bands as we celebrate people, music and performance.”

Pipe Bands Australia will again assist the host promoters with support for livestreaming of the championships, banners for the champion band in each grade and medallions for their players.

Further announcements will be made on the championship website www.tartanspectacular.com.au and the PBA website pipebandsaustralia.com.au

• Pictured top are last year’s APBC winners Western Australia Police, P/M Jim Murray, with PBA officials.


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