International Success for Central Scotland Police Pipes and Drums
Friday, 21st May 2010
The Pipes and Drums of Central Scotland Police are celebrating their first international success.
The band travelled to Strasbourg in France between May 12 and 16 to take part in the Euroceltes Festival at the invitation of event organisers.
Band Secretary Constable Dorian Gray said: "We had a hectic schedule of events and played at a number of concerts and venues across Alsace. We also shared the stage with the Red Hot Chilli Pipers at the Mutzig Dome.
"The 25 musicians who travelled undertook street performance in Mulhouse and Selestat, where we performed to the Mayor and a large appreciative French audience.
"The festival culminated in a Grand Parade through Strasbourg watched by thousands of spectators and a final performance for the Mayor. The band played in a competition at the Parc de l'Orangerie and we won first prize, with the 200 Euro award being donated to a local children's charity."
Sergeant Bob Davidson, who planned the logistics of the trip, said: "The planning behind this kind of trip was significant but thankfully everything went smoothly and audiences enjoyed the performances."
Constable Gray added: "This is the first time the band has travelled abroad and it's testament to our growing reputation that we should be asked to play at this prestigious event and would hope to return in future years."
All costs associated with this trip were met by event organisers in France.
