Remembrance Day 2024. Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band once again had the honour of being involved in Romsey and Fawley Remembrance Day parades and memorial services. ‘At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we’ll remember them’.

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band had a busy day taking part in the London Poppy Day to launch the poppy appeal. The band come together along with many other pipers and drummers, performing at Cannon Street station, and Leadenhall Market! It was a fantastic day, with the efforts at Cannon Street station raising shy of £28k! A total of £1,285,000 was raised throughout the day across London! A massive well done to all volunteers and performers.

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band are home from performing at Battles Through History – an exciting multi period living history military show held at the South of England Showground! The band had a chilly time camping, although thoroughly enjoyed the show and performances! We cannot wait to return next year!

WOW! Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band are home after a trip to Sweden to perform in the Eksjo International Tattoo, as part of the Caber Feidh massed pipes and drums. This was such a privilege to be invited to such a wonderful event, and the band have had such an amazing experience. The organisers were so welcoming, and we cannot thank them enough! During our trip, we were even lucky enough to visit a Moose sanctuary and go swimming in a beautiful lake! We have had such an unforgettable and phenomenal experience.

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band were back performing in and around the show grounds of the Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show. It was another fantastic weekend, and as always, the crowds and stall holders were incredibly welcoming and supportive. We were also very lucky to be joined by the wonderful White Rose Highland Dance Company! We cannot wait till next year’s show, and of course – more chutney!

On the 13^th July, Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band had the privilege of starting of the 2024 Portsmouth Relay for Life once again this year and leading the survivors around the track! This was also a big occasion for the band, as it was the debut of our new tartan – Kintyre Storm!

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band are home after an unforgettable experience in Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Day 1

We were busy playing in Carentan, and Sainte-Mère-Église. We were also lucky enough to meet the US Army Golden Knights and the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team whilst there! The crowds were amazing and so welcoming.

Day 2

We had a great day commemorating piper Bill Millin, alongside the Bagpipers of the World United International Association. We also met the wonderful Alex Smith on his adventures, who joined us for a few sets. Alex was on a journey retracing the steps of Bill Millin.

A few of us then went onto Pegasus Bridge, where we were filmed by the local news crew!

Day 3

Hampshire Caledonian were back at Pegasus Bridge, taking part in parades throughout the day.

We then took part in the Normandy Cup competition, placing 2^nd, and PM Rich Smith placed 3rd in the Bill Millin solo competition. We also won best drum corps! Congratulations to all the winners and well done to all those who took part.

We finally topped the day off leading the massed band performance at the end of the event.

Our 4th and final day!

Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band started the day with a trip out to Omaha, playing at the American Cemetery, which is always a moving experience.

We then went back to Sword beach for one last play, where we were fortunate enough to bump into John Millin. During the time spent with John Millin, PM Rich Smith was able to play his pipes – which were Bill Millin’s last set of pipes, a 1960 set of Hardie’s.

Before leaving Sword beach, we were honoured to be asked to play a tune whilst the ashes of Mr Stephen Frederick McCarthy were buried on the water’s edge. Mr McCarthy was a veteran who stormed Sword beach during the D-Day landings. John Millin also joined us for this tune, which is particularly special as John’s father, Bill Millin, would have been among those on the beach with Mr McCarthy.

We finished our trip by playing into port when arriving back home in Portsmouth!