Brisbane’s Anzac Day Parade will sound a bit different this year, with half the pipe band, traditionally part of the program, being told they are no longer welcome.
The Parade Committee made the decision in February to cut four pipe groups from the parade and now band members are hoping for a last-minute change before Anzac Day.
Piper and veteran communities told 9News they’ve been left disappointed by the decision to exclude half the pipe band from the event.
“We were told that the decision was based on that the bands had to play at 116 beats per minute, and that was why they’ve they’ve cut them… for a pipe band it’s not practical,” Piper Band’s Queensland Chairman Nick Tomkins said.
Parade’s Chairman Kerry Gallagher said the beats played per minute isn’t the issue.
”I don’t consider that to be a primary issue here,” he said.
“I consider the core issue to be too many pipes and drums is disruptive to the veterans who are marching.”
The decision has caused outrage in the piper and veteran community, Tomkins claims.
“They’re really just feeling disrespected,” he said.
“We’re getting so much feedback from veterans and this and from active servicemen, and they’re going, this is rubbish.”
“What we’re learning is that it’s not been the committee decision, it’s been one person making this decision.”
Gallagher maintains it was agreed upon by the committee.
