The band in the grand parade leading Clan Maclean into the arena at last year’s games.
IN WHAT promises to be the most spectacular opening of any of the Aberdeen Highland Games to date the Governor of NSW, Her Excellency Marie Bashir, the honoured guest of the Games Committee, will be entertained by 16 pipe bands.
Under the direction of Charles Cooke the sound of bagpipes will fill the air at Jefferson Park, Aberdeen, on Saturday to herald the start of the 13th Annual Aberdeen Highland Games.
Barrie Lawn, president of the Aberdeen Highland Games committee, is delighted Ms Bashir will be attending, accompanied by her husband, Sir Nicholas Shehadie.
The bands in attendance this year will be Tullibardine from Newcastle, City of Armidale, NSW Highlanders, Clan MacLeod, Dubbo Pipe Band, United Mineworkers from Cessnock, Drumline and Coffs Harbour Pipe Band, Hills District of Sydney, Lithgow Pipes and Drums, Plains from Gunnedah, Maitland City, Tamworth City, McEwan, City of Newcastle RSL Band and Scone RSL Pipes and Drums.
These bands will compete for the McMullin Shield, donated by the Frazer family of Scone, for the best all round display on the day.
“It is a credit to the high standards set by the Aberdeen Highland Games that bands from so many areas of NSW wish to participate in the Games and our excellent massed band display,” Mr Lawn said.
Gates open at 8.30am and the grand parade is at 9.30am,with the massed band opening ceremony at about 10.15am.