NZ Pipe Bands National Championships in Rotorua off to 'fantastic' start in Rotorua

The City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band make their way into the competition circle at Rotorua International Stadium. Photo/Stephen Parker

Rotorua International Stadium was awash with tartan as hundreds of bagpipers, drummers and supporters came to town for the Royal NZ Pipe Bands Association National Championships.

Forty-nine pipe bands ranging from 20 to 50 members competed today, with competition winding up tomorrow. It is the first time in 20 years the event has been hosted in Rotorua and despite a windy start to the competition the bands seemed in good spirits.

City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band bagpiper Darryl Plumridge has been part of the band for 16 years.

"I've been at a lot of nationals, but never in Rotorua.

"There's something about it that's a bit more special than the rest."

The first item they had to perform was the MSR, a march, a strathspey and a reel.

"We began practising this number about a year ago," Plumridge said.

"This is definitely one of our best ever performances of it.

"It's just amazing having all the local support here."

Tomorrowthe Rotorua Highland Pipe Band will take part in a street march with the rest of bands.

"People should definitely head along to check it out. It will be a massive, awesome event.

"All 50 bands will march individually and then all as one."

Organising committee chairman Kevin Nally said, in one word, the first day had been "fantastic".

"It's been great for the local band to compete in their own backyard."

Nally said once they got past some early morning dampness and the high winds it had been stunning weather.

"People have been performing well, nothing could have dampened the spirits."

The City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band give their first competition of the day, the MSR Photo/Stephen Parker

Supporters Ross Walker and Ralph Adams travelled from Australia to see the pipe bands in competition.

"This is the next biggest competition after the world champs in Glasgow," Adams said.

"There are some really big bands here and tomorrow will be the big day."

Adams said there was just something about pipe bands.

"Once it gets into your system, it's hard to get it out.

"We don't support anyone specifically, we just like to try and pick who's going to win."

Walker was part of a Grade 1 pipe band when he was younger.

"I've liked it ever since I was a little boy.

"We've never been to Rotorua before, but it's a good venue, aside from the wind.

"We're looking forward to seeing all of the big boys come out tomorrow in the street parade."

#WATCH We're live at the 2018 Royal NZ Pipe Bands Association Nationals in Rotorua as the Rotorua Highland Pipe Band make their way to the circle

Posted by Rotorua Daily Post on Thursday, 8 March 2018

Royal NZ Pipe Bands Association National Championships 2018
- Rotorua International Stadium tomorrow from 12pm
- Pipe band competitions, food, stalls, and bar.
- Street march and massed band display tomorrow. 9am start outside Rotorua Primary School.
- Stadium entry $10 per day, under-12s free.
- Road closures: 8am to noon, Rangiuru St (from Whakaue St to Arawa St), Arawa St (from Hospital Entrance to Tutanekai St) and Amohia St (from Arawa St to Haupapa St).