Author: Christina Maple

Back in January, Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band were incredibly fortunate to welcome Callum Douglas (Red Hot Chilli Pipers), Cam Lawson (Inveraray & District Pipe Band) and Mark Johnston (formerly Peoples Ford Boghall & Bathgate Caledonian Pipe Band, and Grampian Police Pipe Band), who supported us with our weekend workshop!

We had a fantastic time and gained so much from their experience, insight and input. A huge thank you to our guests for sharing their knowledge and expertise with us – it was a truly valuable and inspiring session for everyone involved.

We hope to see our guests again soon in the not-too-distant future!

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band took part in London Poppy Day, performing alongside other pipers and drummers at Cannon Street Station, raising money for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal.

The total raised at Cannon Street Station alone was £32,780.41. Overall, the total raised throughout the day across all stations was £1,478,000.

A huge well done to all the participants and collectors!

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band have returned from a weekend of performing at the South of England showground, for Battles Through History.

We braved Storm Amy, and despite the wind, we had another fantastic weekend!

Check out our social media for a vlog containing our best moments from this weekend.

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band returned to the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show for another year. The band had a wonderful few days camping together with lots of sunshine, performing around the show ground, and of course, making use of the fun fair! Our Drum Sergeant, Dave, also turned 70 – what better way to celebrate your birthday!

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band have had a fantastic weekend performing at Stansted Park Summer Festival for the first time. Despite the ever changing weather, the crowds were amazing and the band also got to enjoy watching other wonderful performances and acts!

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band was honoured once again to lead the survivors’ first lap at Relay for Life 2025.

This year held a special meaning, as we marched with pink ribbons in memory of Ann Stoyles – a cherished supporter of the band, long-time committee member of Relay For Life Portsmouth, and dedicated team captain of the Pink Ladies.

As a band, several of our own members are survivors themselves, including Drum Major Mac Sabiston. This year was especially memorable as it saw Mac out of retirement and back out in front of the band to lead us once again.

On Saturday the 28th of June, Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band led the start of the annual Walk the Island. This year, over 100 participants embarked on the 14-mile trek around Portsea Island to money for the chosen charity for 2025, The Roberts Centre. The Roberts Centre is an organisation dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals facing homelessness, abuse or other challenges.

Hampshire Caledonian had the honour of leading the participants from the Queens Hotel, across Southsea Common and down Palmerston Road. The band then met back up with the participants as they passed through Guildhall Square, taking part in a short service at the war memorial, where participants laid wreaths.

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band had the privilege of performing in the Historic Dockyard Portsmouth, for the Royal Naval Association! Our snare drummers put on an extra special light display, along with our Pipe Major. This was the first time Hampshire Caledonian have done anything like this, and it was well received by a fantastic audience. This was also the first outing for our newest recruit, Fabio! Fabio joins us from St John’s College Pipe Band, Zimbabwe.

On Sunday 8^th June 2025, Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band returned to take part in a D-Day memorial service held at Lepe Country Park, facilitated by Hampshire County Council.  This was a wonderful service as always and we finished up our day with a band trip to Beaulieu, and a fantastic roast dinner!

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band had another fantastic weekend at the Overlord Show – a military spectacular! With approximately 300 military vehicles and reenactors, from the Great War all the way through to modern day, this is an event that the band looks forward to every year! Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band were busy performing across the show ground throughout both days and had a very enjoyable weekend looking around at everything the show has to offer.