History has officially been made at Fed Square in Melbourne. On Wednesday 12 November, hundreds of pipers gathered at Fed Square for The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash, together setting a new world record for the largest ever bagpipe ensemble. Presented by Fed Square and supported by City of Melbourne and ABC Radio Melbourne, the record-breaking performance saw a sea of tartan and kilts fill the city’s heart as 374 bagpipers played AC/DC’s legendary It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ’n’ Roll) in thunderous unison.
The event paid homage to the band’s iconic 1976 music video, filmed on Swanston Street by Paul Drane for ABC’s Countdown. Nearly fifty years on, that moment was brought roaring back to life, this time louder, larger, and led by pipers from all across Victoria, around the country, with some even travelling from New Zealand to take part.
Creative spirit and music legacy
The previous world record of 333 pipers, set in Bulgaria in 2012, was officially surpassed, confirmed onsite by adjudicators from The Australian Book of Records with the sound of the pipes echoing across the CBD. Katrina Sedgwick OAM, Director & CEO of MAP Co said “The Great Melbourne Bagpipe Bash was pure joy, bringing together musicians of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate our creative spirit and music legacy. Hundreds of bagpipers, an AC/DC anthem, and the heart of the city alive with music. Fed Square has always been the place where Melbourne comes to celebrate. Today, we made history together.”
Afterwards, the pipers played Happy Birthday to Scottish actor Gerard Butler who was in the crowd of thousands to witness the world record performance, followed by Amazing Grace.
Photos courtesy of Tobia Titz.
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