MELBOURNE CBD – Sunday July 5th 2026
- Commemorate the centenary of the famous Australian Ladies Pipe Band and their record-breaking 1925-27 world tour,
- Recognise the pioneering ladies’ pipe bands of the early 20th century, including the world’s first ladies’ band formed in Melbourne in 1918,
- Encourage girls and women to become involved in piping and drumming,
- Help set a world record for the largest ladies’ pipe band.
About the Event
To be held in conjunction with Melbourne’s Tartan Day parade starting at 2pm on Sunday July 5th 2026.
At the conclusion of the optional parade, all female pipers and drummers will break-off, perform Scotland the Brave and Waltzing Matilda, and aim to set a world record for the largest ladies’ pipe band.
About the Australian Ladies
The 1925-1927 world tour of the Australian Ladies Pipe Band was an international sensation. By the end of their tour an Adelaide newspaper reported that the band had performed to combined audiences of more than 1 million people.
The band was formed (probably in early 1919) of members who were Australian born and had lost a close relative in the First World War. Later the concept of a world tour was conceived, but it wasn’t easy-going. They faced criticism at the highest levels of government and society, and their story is one of challenges, dramas and deaths.
Plans for a grand tour
Many newspapers published articles about the band, their concerts, fundraising efforts and plans for their world tour. The article above is from Victoria’s Farmers’ Advocate 16 Nov 1923.
A great novelty
“Ladies and bagpipes: the world’s greatest novelty” from Edition 38 of Memento, published by the National Archives of Australia, written by Julia Child, pages 10-12.
The Definitive History
Piping historian Jeannie Campbell MBE wrote an excellent 3-part series of articles “The Australian Ladies Pipe Band – The Definitive History”, published in Piping Press in July 2023.
About the early ladies’ pipe bands
Is this the world’s first ladies’ pipe band – formed in Melbourne in 1918?
The badge has the text “South and Port Melbourne Ladies Original Pipe Band, Established 1-2-18”. The South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society already had a men’s band but it was lacking members during wartime. Later in 1918 the men’s band separated from the Society and renamed as Melbourne Highland Pipe Band.
In March 1922 the South and Port Melbourne band and the Australian Ladies band met to compete for the title “Champion Ladies’ Pipe Band of Australia”.
Worldwide, particularly from the 1930s, ladies’ pipe bands grew in popularity. You can learn more from an excellent series of articles commissioned by PP Publishing in 2005 from piping historian Jeannie Campbell MBE. They were republished in 2019 in 7 parts at Piping Press.
Thanks to event supporters
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m just learning pipes/drums, can I take part?
Yes, you’re welcome.
I don’t have a uniform, can I take part?
Yes. A splash of tartan is welcome but not essential.
What tunes do I need to learn?
When you register you will be sent pipe and drum scores for the 4/4 marches Scotland the Brave and Waltzing Matilda.
If you are playing in the parade, there will be additional march tunes. These will be provided when announced by organisers.
Can I just turn up without registration?
You can, but by registering we can keep you informed of any updates or event changes.
What pitch will we be playing at?
A suitable average will be determined on the day but you can expect it to be around 476-480 Hz.
Is this event open to male pipers or drummers?
No, sorry. Our aims include highlighting the role of women in pipe bands and to set a world record for the largest ever ladies pipe band. This event is therefore only open to female pipers and drummers. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Tartan Festival Parade and other massed band performances that will take place immediately prior to and after this event.
Credits
Photo: Australian Ladies at Braemar Highland Gathering 1926 – Piping Press
Badge: Port Melbourne Historical and Preservation Society Collection
Photo: Melbourne Ladies Pipe Band at the City of Ringwood celebrations March 1960 – Ringwood and District Historical Society
Article and photo links: National Archives of Australia, National Library of Australia / Trove
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