Kiama Pipe Band’s first “Pipes and Drums by the Sea” has been hailed a success, drawing around 90 community members for a hands-on introduction to Scottish music.

Held last Saturday at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church, the event exceeded expectations, with people of all ages trying their hand at pipes, drums and learning about the band’s tartans, history and instruments.

Band treasurer and bass drummer Deb Riley said members were “over the moon” with the response.

Photo: Ella Gunning

“We were really, really pleased with how it all turned out. We had around 90 people, from the really young kiddies right through to older locals,” she said.

“Everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun. It was very relaxed, and people were genuinely interested in everything - from the instruments to the tartans on the walls.”

The interactive sessions proved so popular that some attendees stayed for both performances. Riley said younger children gravitated toward the drums (“making a bit of noise, of course”), while others took the opportunity to ask about the band’s history and culture.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

“Because it was a grant-funded event, we handed out feedback forms and most people gave us full five stars,” Riley said. “Some told us how wonderful the band played and how excited they were to be part of it.”

Mayor Cameron McDonald attended and officially opened the event, staying to chat with band members and showing a particular interest in the bagpipes.

Photo: Ella Gunning

The day also helped generate interest in the band’s free 10-week introductory program, funded through a Kiama Council cultural grant.

Several people registered their details on the day, and Riley emphasised that enrollments remain open to anyone even if they did not attend the event.

The Rotary Club of Kiama supported the day with a free sausage sizzle, and musicians from the Shoalhaven City and Sydney Thistle pipe bands joined in to perform.

“It was just a great effort by everyone. We were so humbled by how the community reacted to us and the great feedback they gave.

"When you put something on, you always worry people won’t come but we had to get out extra chairs.”

Kiama Pipe Band will next perform at the Homestead of Hope Christmas lunch on Tuesday (9 December), followed by the Gerringong Christmas Parade on 20 December.