Female pipers and drummers from across Australia and the world are being invited to take part in a landmark event this July, as Melbourne hosts what organisers hope will become the largest ladies’ pipe band ever assembled. The gathering will take place on Sunday, 5 July 2026, in collaboration with Melbourne’s annual Tartan Day Parade.
The event commemorates two extraordinary milestones: the centenary of the Australian Ladies Pipe Band’s celebrated 1925–27 world tour, and the more than 100 years since the world’s first ladies’ pipe band was formed in Melbourne in 1918. All current and former female members of pipe bands are encouraged to participate.
“This is a unique opportunity to bring together past and present female members of pipe bands to celebrate their invaluable contributions and set a world record right here in Melbourne.”
At the conclusion of the parade, which begins at 2pm, all female participants will break from the main procession to perform a special set of tunes in Melbourne’s City Square at 2.30pm, uniting to set a world record for the largest ladies’ pipe band. The tunes to be performed include the marches Scotland the Brave and Waltzing Matilda, followed by the popular march Australian Ladies which was written to commemorate the tour.
A Century of Trailblazing Women
The Australian Ladies Pipe Band’s 1925–27 world tour was an international sensation. Formed of Australian-born women who had each lost a close relative in the First World War, the band overcame criticism at the highest levels of government and society to perform to combined audiences of more than one million people. Their story is one of challenges, drama and determination.
Organisers are keen to hear from relatives of women who were members of the band that undertook the 1926 world tour.
The July 2026 event also honours the South and Port Melbourne Thistle Society’s Ladies Pipe Band, established on 1 February 1918 and believed to be the world’s first ladies’ pipe band.
Inspiring a New Generation
Beyond the record attempt, the event seeks to inspire girls and women to take up piping and drumming and carry forward a legacy of excellence and innovation. Participants of all levels are welcome, whether learning or experienced, and a uniform is not required to take part.
The event is supported by the Melbourne Tartan Festival, City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band, and the Victorian branch of Pipe Bands Australia.
How to Register
Female pipers and drummers wishing to take part are encouraged to register in advance at ausladies.link. Walk-up participants are also welcome on the day, though registration ensures participants receive updates and event information. For enquiries: contact@ausladies.info
