The Kiama Pipe Band is inviting the community to get hands-on with Scottish music at their upcoming “Pipes and Drums by the Sea” event.

The free, interactive session will be held on Saturday, 29 November, at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Kiama.

Everyone is welcome, and no musical experience is required.

Pipe Major Paul Wells said the band is looking forward to meeting locals and sharing what they love. “The band is super excited about sharing our knowledge and enthusiasm of Scottish pipes and drums with our community,” Wells said.

Bass drummer and treasurer, Deb Riley, said the day is a chance for people to see what the group does year-round, whether playing in Bundanoon or supporting local Rotary events.

“We have a lot of interest from the public and they’re very supportive of this,” Riley said. “We hope with this event we will be able to share our abilities, knowledge, have the community participate, and find out a bit more about what we do.”

The band will perform twice on the day, opening each session with a short set before breaking into small groups where people can try the instruments for themselves.

A Cultural Grant from Kiama Council is supporting the event and helping fund 10 weeks of free introductory lessons in the new year for anyone who wants to learn. Beginners will receive a practice chanter—similar to a recorder—or drumsticks, along with tutorial books and instruction at no cost.

“If they show an interest at the event, they can let us know their details and we will organise times with them that suits them for a 10-week course in the new year,” Riley said. She said the ideal starting age is around 13 or 14, though younger children can be accommodated.

The band rehearses every Wednesday at St Peter and Paul Catholic Church and has built a close relationship with the parish.

“We support them in playing for their Christmas dinner that’s coming up, and so forth,” Riley said. “We have an arrangement with the church to support them and they support us.”

While the region has strong Irish and Scottish roots, Riley said heritage isn’t a requirement.

“There’s all sorts of people in the band that just like the music – it doesn’t matter if you have heritage or not. If you’re charged by the music, well, why not have a go?”

The band hopes to attract around 100 people on the day. Rotary will also run a free sausage sizzle for attendees.

The Kiama Pipe Band will perform next at the Homestead of Hope Christmas lunch on December 9, followed by the Gerringong Christmas Parade on December 20.

Locals are encouraged to come along, meet the band, enjoy the music, and have a go at something new.