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Our History

Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band has a long history going right back to 1900 when the band began as "2nd Bolton Boys Brigade Band".

When it disbanded in 1971 Bolton Scottish was formed by three members of the Boys Brigade Band,  Colin Winstanley - Piper, Brian Ottley - Drummer, and Frank Warburton - Piper.

The journey has involved being part of the competing world taking part in many competitions over the years and also bringing one or two trophies home along the way. In 1995 the band split into two smaller bands then in November 2012 it was decided that we should join forces and work together as one band again.

Today’s band is purely social and its members all enjoy the relaxed atmosphere this new format provides. We have a very full calendar, during the summer months particularly. We get involved in events not only in Bolton but around the north West of England and sometimes beyond.

HIRE THE BAND

If you, or your organisation, would like to hire Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band for a carnival, wedding, anniversary, birthday, or to promote your business, we can supply full band, mini band, individual piper or piper and drummer, to suit your needs.

Weddings

A pipe band can add both a jovial or sombre tone to any event and we can cater the band towards your musical needs for the day to entertain you and your guests.

CARNIVALS & Parades

We have covered many carnivals and parades and performed for many brilliant causes. We always welcome the opportunity to participate in more.

Business & Civic events

Want to give you event a bit of an authentic pipe ban twist?
Get in touch to organise how we can help with our band performances.

JOIN THE BAND

Learning any new instrument is difficult but with practice, the desire and bit of tuition it is easily achievable. No matter the age, no matter the experience you can learn and be part of a band at the heart of the bolton community.

Don’t tell yourself that you’re too old to start something new. In 2 years time, you’ll be two years older anyway, so you may as well be two years old and a piper or drummer.

When learning it’s always worth remembering that taking the time to practice independently is important to make progress and we can help you achieve that any time.

If you’re an experienced Piper or Drummer looking to join a relaxed social band that doesn’t compete but focuses on the fun of playing and supporting local communities, then we’re the band for you.

 

Meet The Band

 

Jasmin Hyland - Pipe Major

Originally from Thurso in Caithness, Jasmin has lived in the Northwest of England since the age of 12. Learned to play the Pipes in Kelso in the borders of Scotland. Taught by Sandy Taylor, alongside her brother, George. Jasmin moved to England in 1974. It was not until she joined Bolton & District Pipe Band in the mid 2000's that she felt she began to flourish within the piping world, progressing to Pipe Major in 2011 mentored by the late Frank Warburton. She returned to the role once again in 2016 after the two Bolton pipe bands amalgamated to create Bolton Caledonia. She has played in her brothers band (City of Cockburn, Perth Australia) and attended the World Pipe Band Championships with them too. Jasmin’s most memorable event was when Bolton Caledonia played at the Menin Gate in Belgium in 2015. She is also the Mayor of Bolton's Piper

Shaun Kershaw - Drum Major

Shaun has been the bands Drum Major for over 15 years. In his early days Shaun was with the Grenadier Guards Band playing the tenor drum and bass drum. Following his time in the forces he became a singer and entertainer in Blackpool and is well known for his voice. In recent years with the loss of many drummers he’s had to set aside the mace and cover tenor drumming but his expert knowledge of rhythm and a good ear for a beat makes him the best at his craft. Shaun loves that the band represents a commitment to our community and other local communities, something that is important to him during his time in the Red Cross. Shaun loves that music has the power to bring people together from all walks of society for a laugh and to share in the joy of playing. A man of many talents, he also doubles up as our Quartermaster.

iain Crowder - Pipe Sergeant

Iain has been the bands Pipe Sergeant for over 10 years. He initially started piping in 1992 and has been active ever since. He joined the band after they played at his wedding, the Pipe Major at the time being his Father-in-Law, John Lynch. Ian has piped competitively winning the Grade 4 North West Trios with Steve Milner and Iain Macleod, and piped at Grade 4 as a band too. Iain is an active piper outside of the band, and plays lots of modern and contemporary music which he brings back to the band to expand their repertoire. The most notable of this is “The Gael” from Last of the Mohicans.

Brett Tabone - Lead Tutor

Brett had been a massive fan of the Bagpipes since an early age but growing up focused on traditional woodwind instruments. He has been with the band for over a decade and in that time has become one of the members committed to seeing the band drive forward. Prior to his bagpipe days he has been a multi-instrumentalist with great knowledge of music theory and harmonies. This knowledge and skill makes him the perfect person to shape the future of the band. Brett has taught lots of band members of all ages in some cases having junior pipers on the pipes and marching with the band within a year.

Where to Find us

The Bolton Ukrainian Club
99 Castle Street, Bolton, BL2 1JP

We practice on Monday nights (excluding bank holidays) from 6:30PM to 9:30PM

You can find details of our gigs and events on our social media

 

Contact Us

Contact Us

Our band Secretary is Garry Hacking. He would be very pleased to deal with any enquiries you have for the band. Just leave your details and enquiry in the text field on the left and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.

If you haven’t heard back you could always try contacting us via Facebook or Instagram.

Gallery

The Stocks Tavern, Parbold - Highland Cathedral