For the first time in 30 years, the Australian Pipe Band Championships will be held in Western Australia this April 11. Perth audiences will get to experience the incredible sounds and pageantry of hundreds of bagpipers and drummers performing on Subiaco Oval as the nation’s best pipe bands assemble for a unique battle of the bands. The Championships will see bands travel from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and even Singapore to pit their skills against six competitive Western Australian bands hoping to leverage their home ground advantage.
Pipe Bands Australia expects over 20 bands to compete across the various grades. There is also a Drum Majors Flourish competition element where each Drum Major displays their skill at marching while spinning and throwing a mace. This demonstration of precision and showmanship is enthralling for the audience. The event is also a Highland Gathering, with athletes competing in Highland Games such as tossing the caber, putting the stone, hammer throws, and tug-o-war. There will also be demonstrations of Scottish Country Dancing and stall holders for Clan genealogical societies and Scottish arts and crafts.
Sounds of bagpipes and drums
At the end of the afternoon, all competing bands will form a massed band that marches to the pavilion for the announcement of prize winners. The massed band is a goosebump moment, creating an exciting spectacle for the crowds.
Chair of Pipe Bands WA, Stuart Bradford, has been working for years to convince bands based on the east coast to make the journey west. The big sell is Perth’s record for being the sunniest capital city in Australia, and the chance for traveling bands to holiday in WA. Another drawcard is the stunning venue. Subiaco Oval was once Perth’s home of AFL Football in Western Australia, but the hallowed ground will now come alive to the sounds of bagpipes and drums rather than umpire whistles and final sirens! The old stadiums have been removed to transform the oval into a community events space for the City of Subiaco.
Subiaco is a vibrant precinct buzzing with bars, restaurants, entertainment and shopping. Visitors to the Championships can explore, dine and play their way around Perth’s most charming inner-city destination.
The 2026 Australian Pipe Bands Championships are on Saturday 11 April 2026 at Subiaco Oval. Visit: www.pipebandsaustralia.com.au
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