Pipe band in Beijing

[Macman]

My brother's (Piperdown) and my pipe band, the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band, were recently in China to attend the 13th Beijing International Tourism Festival. Our band participated in the opening ceremony and parade and the closing ceremony. We were also honoured to the first pipe band to be invited to play on the Great Wall of China.
Between performing, touring, shopping, eating and drinking, we had a great time.

Me with a group of Chinese warriors before the opening ceremonies near Tiananmen Square.


Part of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It was being designated as a AAAAA Unesco site.


Piperdown and I on the wall.




The view from the wall.


More to come.

[Macman]

More of Piperdown and I on the Great Wall.




After the ceremony.



Piperdown making friends at the closing ceremony.


My masseur modelling my glengarry.

[Big Mikey]

I'm sure you all had a great time and congratulations on the special honour. I know you represented us well.

[Downunder Kilt]

What a great experience Macman, thanks for the photos. Looks like you and the band had a great time.

[piperdbh]

That's really a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I saw a TV show last week about the building of that wall, and your pictures bring it to life.

[OC Richard]

Fantastic!

I see you wear Patrol Dress jackets. I love those!

A band can look a bit more polished, a bit more military, than they would wearing Argyll jackets, but at the same time be much more comfortable than they would be if wearing Full Dress doublets with crossbelts and full plaids.

I have a Patrol Dress made up in Archer Green, which I wear whenever I pipe at a military or police or fire function.

BTW you might find this interesting

http://www.pasadenascots.com/Photos/...n_China.html#9

[Macman]

I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. OC Richard, thanks for the link! I think I recognize some of the locations the Pasadena Scots visited. Looks like fun!
I think the patrol jackets do look sharp. We heard through our guide that our look was a big hit in China. We sometimes dress up the look with crossbelts, plaids, spats and feather bonnets. My own jacket is a little big; it was a hand-me-down from a bigger guy. The band has recently received navy argylls, but we're still getting the final fitting done. This is one more option for us
One more picture I received last night.

[English Bloke]

Crackin' pictures. Somewhere I've always wanted to go.

[CMcG]

That is fantastic! Nice to see the kilt and pipes being appreciated in far off locations.