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Come along this Saturday, and celebrate 100 years of the Mackay & District Pipe Band at the free Bluewater Fling, featuring massed pipe bands, Highland dancing, live music, Murphy's Pigs, fireworks and family-friendly entertainment on the banks of the Pioneer River. Photo source: Mackay & District Pipe Band
The sounds of stirring bagpipes, pounding drums and lively Highland dancing will once again fill Mackay's Bluewater Quay when the much-loved Bluewater Fling returns this Saturday, July 11.
This year's event is extra special, with the Mackay & District Pipe Band celebrating 100 years of community service to the Mackay region, making the 2026 Bluewater Fling one of the biggest celebrations in the event's history.
Festivities begin at 1.30pm, before the spectacular Massed Bands March crosses the Forgan Bridge at 2pm, creating one of the day's most memorable sights as pipe bands from across Queensland join Mackay's own band in a stirring display of Scottish tradition.
Visitors can enjoy an afternoon of pipe band performances, Highland dancing, local musicians and family-friendly entertainment, with plenty of food vendors on site and Scottish-style brews available.
Adding to this year's festivities are special guests Murphy's Pigs, the popular Brisbane-based Celtic band renowned for their energetic live performances and sell-out shows around Australia. They'll take to the stage from 5.30pm, before the evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display presented by Daly Bay at 8.30pm.
Organisers are encouraging families and friends to pack a picnic blanket or fold-up chair and settle in for a free afternoon and evening of entertainment on the banks of the Pioneer River.
Following the daytime festivities, the celebrations will continue at Red Dog Brewery with a traditional Scottish ceilidh, ensuring the party carries on well into the evening.
You don't need Scottish roots to enjoy the Bluewater Fling. Bring your family, a picnic blanket and your sense of fun for an afternoon of live music, entertainment and community spirit as Mackay celebrates 100 remarkable years of the Mackay & District Pipe Band!
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