The Appeal of the Pipes

The Appeal of the Pipes

Dunedin, 15 February 2013 – This weekend the Octagon and surrounding streets will succumb to the thunder of the drums and skirl of the pipes.

Fifteen pipe bands will prepare to do battle for the annual Octagonal Day and Otago/Southland Provincial Pipe Band Contests hosted by the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association Inc (Otago Branch).

The Octagon and nearby businesses were all canvassed earlier this year and after receiving overwhelming support for this event the bands return again to their venue of choice.

Up to 450 competitors and supporters will take part each day and all have been reminded to respect requests from retailers to avoiding blocking doorways and accessways. This issue can be exacerbated by wet weather, but the forecast for this weekend is encouraging.

Two cruise ships are expected in the city on Saturday so passengers are in for a treat.

One of the highlights of the two-day event is a mass street march at the conclusion of Saturday’s competition. This will occur about 4.30pm from the Octagon carriageway to the Moray Place intersection with George Street. The beating of drums, the stamping of feet and then the massed bands playing 100 Pipers is a stirring sight.

On Sunday morning a street march competition will start about 9.00am around St Andrew/Filleul Streets.

The Octagon and surrounding streets out to Moray Place, including Bath Street, are closed to traffic during the competitions.

ENDS

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