City of Norwich Pipe Band

A brief history of the band

Formed in 1978 by two pipers Norman Bald and Sid George and a drummer, Andrew Stillie. The band was originally known as Norwich and District Pipe Band wearing the New Caledonia Tartan. In both 1992 and 1994 the band played in Koblenz, Germany as part of Norwich/Koblenz twin city celebrations. The band has also attended Marie Curie Charity events in 1995, 2000, 2005 in Edinburgh.

Over the years the band has taken part in Pipe Band Competitions at Cowal Games, Chatsworth, Battersea, Hyde Park and Colchester as well as supporting The Royal Scottish Country Dance Association in Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Switzerland. Since 1997 the band has worn the Prince Charles Edward Stewart tartan.

Bringing the sound of Scotland to East Anglia and beyond….

Whether it is a prestigious formal event such as the Royal Norfolk Show Ball, the spectacle of the massed pipes and drums at the Colchester Military Tournament and Berlin Tattoo, or one of the many locally organised popular events throughout East Anglia, the City of Norwich Pipe Band has been delighting audiences for over 41 years. From the stirring sound of the full pipes and drums to mini bands and solo pipers, we provide that special element in any event that adds an extra sense of occasion. Our pipers and drummers come from all walks of life, some with military backgrounds and others who have learned to play with the band. All are equally used to performing alongside military bands such as the Brigade of Ghurkas, the Royal Anglian Regiment and the Band of the RAF College Cranwell in addition to local musicians such as the Norwich Pops Orchestra at their annual New Year’s Day Concert and the renowned Cawston and Taverham Bands.

The band is always in demand and our programme of engagements is always a busy affair with local, national and international engagements providing an interesting range of events for us to participate in. The band is entirely self funded with fees going towards running costs and our resplendent uniforms based on the Prince Charles Edward Stuart Tartan. It costs over £2000 to kit out each musician. The drums belong to the band but pipers own their own instruments.

The City of Norwich Pipe Band supports the Royal British Legion, ABF- The Soldier’s Charity, RAFA, SSAFA and Veterans Norfolk. We continue to play a part in raising funds for these organisations.

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