Pipe bands blow into Ipswich

Andrew Korner | 5th June 2009

LIMESTONE Park will be bursting at the seams this weekend as hundreds of tartan-toting clansmen blow in to take part in the Queensland Pipe Band Championships.

Queensland Times

LIMESTONE Park will be bursting at the seams this weekend as hundreds of tartan-toting clansmen blow in from around the east coast to take part in the Queensland Pipe Band Championships.

Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band, which turned 100 this year, will host the two-day event, which also incorporates the Queensland Solo Piping and Drumming Championships.

Band member Katrina Stead said the championships were the perfect way to mark Ipswich Thistle Pipe Band's 100th birthday and Q150 celebrations.

Ms Stead said the band was determined to put in an excellent performance.

“We've been working our backsides off - practicing three or four times a week,” she said.

“We've also brought a musical director in to help us out in the technical side of things.

“In the last few months the guys have really improved.”

Judges will be flown in from interstate and New Zealand to ensure a fair competition.

The Moreton Shire Highland Dancing Championships will also be staged at Limestone Park this weekend.

“We would like to get our message out to everyone that this will be a great weekend of entertainment,” Ms Stead said.

“Saturday will be a full day of entertainment, with the Queensland Pipe Band Competition, highland stalls, food, drink and a licensed bar, plus the highland dancers.

“Sunday will be the Queensland solo piping and solo drumming championships in the morning, then after lunch it will be the mini band contest.”

Entry to the championships is free.