In July, the Saint Kentigern College Pipes & Drums embarked on an unforgettable journey to participate in the Basel Tattoo in Switzerland. This prestigious event, known for its excellence and cultural diversity, featured 1000 participants from around the globe, including Europe, Asia, America, Africa, and Australia. Our band, the only one representing New Zealand, joined forces with three Australian pipe bands, four Scottish bands from the British military, and bands from Singapore, South Africa, and Malta.

Underpinning the Tattoo programme was the theme of Scottish connection, highlighting the historical ties between Scotland and countries like New Zealand and Australia. This Scottish influence was celebrated in the Scottish Act of the performance, which featured a mix of popular tunes.

The opening act was a grand spectacle, with our Pipes & Drums combining with 200 pipers and drummers of the Massed Pipes and Drums, marching onto the arena to form the Swiss Cross on a shield. This impressive display marked the launch of the new symbol of the Swiss Ministry of Defence.

Each night, the audience of 8000 people rose to a standing ovation, moved by the powerful finale that brought together the diverse talents of the participants. Among the audience favourites were the One Voice Children's Choir, the US Army Field Band, the Swiss Armed Forces Brass Band, and the OzScot International Highland Dancers. The lively performance of the Australian Army Band were contrasted with the humorous interludes of the Big Bike Orchestra from Poland. Our students performed in eleven evening performances during their two week stay, including the Tattoo Parade through the streets of Basel, watched by a mere 120,000 onlookers!

The timing of this trip was significant, as it included not only a new cohort of students but also several alumni who missed out on this opportunity in 2020 due to the cancellation of world travel.

Outside of the demanding rehearsal schedule, our students had the chance to explore the beautiful and historic city of Basel, renowned as a cultural and artistic centre in Europe. Their adventures took them to the Swiss Alps for a day trip up the Stanserhorn on the CabriO cableway and the historic funicular railway. They were also amazed by the St Beatus caves, with their enormous stalactites and stalagmites, and enjoyed a scenic boat trip on Lake Thun, nestled amongst mountains and romantic waterside villages.

Reflecting on the experience, Head of Pipes and Drums Andrew Lightfoot shared, “We can take great pride in our involvement in the 2024 Basel Tattoo. It was a real honour for the Saint Kentigern College Pipes & Drums to be invited by the Swiss Federal Minister of Defence and the Swiss Military to return and to take part in this year’s event. It’s a unique experience, and quite remarkable on many levels. Each performance was met with great applause. The new friendships everyone formed and the cultural experience are things our students will always remember fondly.”

The Pipes & Drums demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout the event. Their commitment to excellence was evident in every performance, reflecting countless hours of practice and refinement. The high standards and professionalism of our students, recognised on the global stage, make us incredibly proud to be representatives of Saint Kentigern College.

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