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GLENN INNES CELTIC FESTIVAL - Australia

After extensive planning and fund-raising the Waimatuku Highland Pipe Band and Tuatapere Highland Dancing group left from Dunedin on May 1st for Australia to take part in the Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes. The festival was held from May 3rd to 6th 2007, and the Pipe Band and Dancers were making this trip in response to an invitation from the organizers to be one of their guest artists. There were 71 people in the party (including 17 dancers, 21 band members plus supporters).

We arrived in Brisbane at 7.30 pm, only to discover it was 5.30 pm (Australian time), then a bus journey to our motel, before a meal while trying to adjust to the increased temperature. There were some tired children (and adults) by the time we settled for the night. An early start next morning and the bus packed, we were away on the trip to Glen Innes by 8.30 am. Our bus driver must be a 'Granddad'; he was so good with the children and young people, having on hand some popular DVD's, and good music to keep us entertained.

At the Glen Innes Show grounds we took up residence in Tent City. Each tent was equipped with camp stretchers (surprisingly comfortable), an internal light, and bedding provided for those who pre-ordered it. The tents were in rows that were lit at night with 'celtic lanterns'. They looked a bit like a windsock. A light bulb at the top formed a cylinder of light that was very effective at night. The kitchen, shower and toilet block were very basic. Not many 'professional' groups would put up with these facilities, but being the adaptable country people that we are, everyone just pitched in and made it work. Well done!

Our first look at the Standing Stones was very impressive. The sky was orange as the sun set in the West, while through the gum trees we could see the full moon rising in the East. The Standing Stones are constructed from 40 granite monoliths. They symbolize many things, they mark the: 24 hours of the day, four points of the compass, summer and winter solstices, and the Southern Cross, and commemorate the Celtic nations of Scotland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany, with the central stone commemorating all Australians and symbolizes the link between the old and new worlds. The community is very proud of its heritage.

Many of the events over the weekend took place at the Standing Stones. There were two stage areas, plus many craft tents, food tents and a great variety of musical entertainment. Everything was happening all at once, and people just moved around and enjoyed whatever took their fancy. A real fairground sort of atmosphere, and beautiful weather, although we were told it had poured with rain the previous year.

The Waimatuku Pipe Band and the Tuatapere Dancers were part of the entertainment. The girls took to the stage, with the Pipe Band providing the music, and were very well received by the crowds that gathered to watch. For those of us who were free to be part of the crowd, it was great to hear the comments of people around us. One lady said of the dancers, "we knew they would be good, they were so well turned out". Credit for this must go to Helen McKay, and all the mothers, who considering the very basic conditions we were living in, they were immaculate.

There were other pipe bands from the local area, all very good, but the Waimatuku Pipe Band was excellent. There was a clarity in their musicianship that was quite noticeable. The pipers played as 'one', with clean, clear, harmonious notes, the drummers excellent and the keyboard included gave them a very special sound. All of this achieved through many months of practice in preparation for these events. As well as entertaining at the Standing Stones, there were street parades, concerts and street entertainment from both dancers and pipe band. One particularly memorable dance for me was a sword dance performed by the four older girls on the street. They were so fast and never missed a beat. The crowd knew they were special as well and applauded heartily and continued clapping while the band played on.

The final night after all commitments had been met, and there were many, was a time to relax. Funds raised from 'fines' for misdemeanors were put to good use, providing chicken and pizza for tea, and then one set of pipes were unpacked, then another, and another, and with the bass drum hanging from the rafters, the promised 'storm' following the 'calm' began. Now this is what I imagine a Ceilidh to be, a spontaneous concert that saw the girls dancing in their socks, and Mum's dancing with daughters, and the 'drunken piper' doing his thing, and camping ground guests bringing instruments and joining in, while others sat around the fire and toasted marshmallows, and still others toasted each other and a successful adventure accomplished. Thanks to the organizers, the pipers, and dancers, and to the Tuatapere and Waimatuku communities for your financial support that enabled this adventure to happen.

Kindly reported by Zona Pearce

Dancing girls on tour:

Senior – Amanda Sanford, Dayna Adams, Lisa McCracken, Jovita VanDam

Intermediate – Tessa King, Fleur Egerton, Paige McKenzie, Teri McCracken

Junior – Hayley Adams, Courtney Egerton, Dawn Anderson, Fiona Anderson, Caitlin Davies, Ilanda Forde, Christina Grove, Ashleigh Wilson, Charlotte Pearce.

Teacher – Mrs Helen McKay