My love for music and learning all about different cultures was satisfied in one go.
The staging point for the parade was the car park of the General Post Office in the city.
When I arrived I immediately felt the pulse of excitement generated by the spectators on hand.
The parade route was from the post office through the city via Broad Street and finishing up at National Heroes Square.
Waiting patiently to begin the parade.
The Barbados Defence Force Band members were also waiting patiently.
The Royal Barbados Police Force Band members were also waiting patiently.
Waiting......
Waiting......
Waiting..........
Waiting.............
...until finally the official welcome.
Lieutenant Colonel Glyne Grannum, Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force giving the welcome opening remarks.I'm not sure why he wasn't in his official uniform for the ceremony.
The Royal Barbados Police Band led the procession.
They quickly moved off.....
........followed by the Barbados Defence Force Band....
.......which followed closely behind.....
....with a quick step to catch up to the Police Band.
Then it was the turn of the massed pipes band...
....who were on the move in a jiffy......
....and then it was hard to catch up with those fast-moving bagpipers who caught me off guard with their speedy footsteps.
A video that captures the atmosphere.
It was kinda hard to jostle other "photographers" since everyone has cell phone cameras these days and each one of them is a photographer at heart.
I loved the idea of being a member of a worldwide group such as this and meeting up with other members to visit countries worldwide to share such great music.
Loved seeing the ladies doing their thing too.
Parade advancing via Lower Broad Street.
A music rest between numbers.
Coming up to Nelson statue at the top of Broad Street.
Arrival at National Heroes Square - Cenotaph and the Fountain in the background.
National Heroes Square - Parliament Buildings in the background
Welcoming remarks by the Massed Pipes band leader.
Various kilts all depicting different areas.
Tons of water was on hand.
It was lovely to hear the fusion of bagpipes and the other instruments.
All the spectators were enjoying themselves...tapping their feet and clapping along.
The clock on the Parliament Building tower struck 10.30am bringing the event to an end.
With that the crowd took the opportunity to mingle and take photos with the band members.
Lots of questions were asked and answered.
A needed water break.
"The Barbados Celtic Festival celebrates the links between Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Nova Scotia and the Gallic regions in Europe."
Pipefest - The Home of Massed Pipe Bands website here.
Pipefest Itinerary here.
Facebook link here.
It's difficult to go anywhere in the world without catching a pipe band in full Highland dress. The last one that I saw in New Zealand was in Napier in over 30℃ and I wondered how that managed. I know that when I wear my kilt it is very heavy indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt was a hot day and I was astonished at how well the band members held up under the heat.
DeleteThey played well and I enjoyed the performance.
Someone once told me that the kilt may be heavy but it's like air conditioning underneath because the guys wear no underwear!!!
Ah. That's me back in Blogland and up to date with your posts.
ReplyDeleteSo happy you're back in Blogland...I am still quite busy...I will surface again soon on a regular basis.
DeleteHow fun - and very interesting. Thanks for taking a lot of pictures, because the pipes especially are (for no good reason) not something I would have expected to see in Barbados. Mary
ReplyDeleteMy little island Barbados attracts all kinds of musicians and performers from places far far away.
DeleteIt's an interesting exchange because most performers want to visit the island and we want to hear their music so it's a two way street....a win win for both parties.
Glad you enjoyed the photos in the post.
It's difficult to go anywhere in the world without catching a pipe band in full Highland dress.
ReplyDeleteแคมฟรอก