Founded in 1937, the BHPB is the city’s longest serving and president Greg Fawcett said its origins were even older, having formed out of the former Bendigo Caledonian Society Pipe Band which was active in the 1920s. Though no longer a competition band, Mr Fawcett attributed the BHPB’s longevity to its showmanship and the camaraderie between its members.

“When you’re walking down the street people go ‘Wow, here comes a pipe band’, and it’s not just the sound, it’s the presentation, it’s the look, it’s the wow factor – we are putting on a show and that’s what it’s all about,” he said.

While the band regularly performs at Anzac Day and other event’s across the region, Mr Fawcett said the BHPB was about “playing some tunes with some friends” as much as anything.

“It’s helping those people but in the process you’re just getting together with a bunch of mates and playing some tunes,” he said.