The Hastings District Highland Pipe Band will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a ceilidh - a traditional Scottish party.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The celebrations will include a day time performance and presentation on Town Green and a ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) in the evening at the Fernhill Tavern.
The events are on Saturday November 30.
Band spokesperson Jim Turnbull said the band will perform at the southern end of Town Green from around noon on Saturday.
"This event is to celebrate 50 years of service to the people of the Hastings," he said.
"We plan to perform some traditional band numbers along with some favourites.
"The band will also be making a presentation to the mayor in appreciation of the support we have received over the years.
"This could include the presentation of a memorial quaich, which is a drinking vessel unique to Scotland.
"It has two handles on either side of the vessel and is usually brought out when visitors arrived at your home.
"Both men would hold a handle each and drink from the vessel - that was probably because if you were holding the quaich, you couldn't stab the other person," Mr Turnbull said.
"The band has many former members who are scattered far and wide and we hope that many of these will make a return for the event.
"Ross Scott is the band's oldest member and we really hope that we can come along and enjoy the day."
The Saturday performance should continue for "a couple of hours".
The celebration will continue on Saturday night at Fernhill Tavern from 7pm with the hosting of a ceilidh, Mr Turnbull said.
"There will be music and dancing - and perhaps some haggis too."
Originally part of the Macleay Valley Pipe Band, local members decided to split to form the Port Macquarie-Hastings.
"Back in those days we were based in Wauchope and had great support from the RSL Club out there," Mr Turnbull said.
"Now Port Macquarie-Hastings Council provides us an annual grant to help cover running costs."
Mr Turnbull said the band will again lead the Countdown to Christmas celebrations in Port Macquarie on Thursday November 28 and will perform at Carols in Bain Park, Wauchope at 6pm on Thursday November 29.
For more information about the band including its 50th celebrations go to their Facebook page or contact Jim Turnbull on 0418 677 474.
Also making news:
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, SIGN UP HERE.
