Mackay is piping excited for another Scottish party against the beautiful blue backdrop of the Pioneer River as the annual Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling swings into full motion this weekend!
The Bluewater Fling is a free, outdoor, family-friendly community event sponsored by the Mackay Regional Council that celebrates Mackay’s Scottish heritage. The event showcases local and visiting performers, featuring pipe bands from across Queensland, Celtic rock and Folk bands, soloists, and Highland dancers.
A number of stalls selling Scottish wares and foods and an on-site licenced venue will also keep the crowds entertained.
Official Entertainment will commence at 1.30pm on Saturday 31st August and will finish around 4.30pm at the Bluewater Quay. Performers and supporters will then move to a local indoor venue for the free ‘Fling Afterparty Ceilidh’ where live music and Ceilidh dancing will get the party started until late evening.
One of the highlights of the Bluewater Fling’s programme is the massed bands parade across the Forgan Smith Bridge starting at 2pm which spans the iconic Pioneer River.
The annual event is an opportunity for pipe bands from North and Central Queensland to come together and share their passion for the pipes and drums.
For the first time in nearly 100 years, bagpipes bought by the people in Mackay in 1916 and played on the Western Front during WWI will be on display. These bagpipes were recently located in America and have been purchased by the Mackay RSL Sub Branch.
Mayor Greg Williamson advises locals to “get in early.”
“This is a great celebration for the whole family…to have seven bands of pipes and drums represented here and of course the special guests this time around, the pipes and drums of the Police Juvenile Band… we’re very excited to welcome them to Mackay!”
Since its inception in 2016, the event has continued to grow each year and has expanded to include additional free events over the course of the Scottish Festival weekend, including a meet-and-greet on Friday night the 30th August at Goanna Microbrewery, 2 Victoria Street and a rambunctious ceilidh on the Saturday night at Goosies Sport and Recreation Club, 74 Malcomson Street.
For more details on the event, head to www.bluewaterfling.com.
What: Mackay Scottish Bluewater Fling
When: Saturday 31 August
Where: Bluewater Quay
Massed pipe bands will march across the Forgan Bridge at 2pm Saturday 31 August 2024
Piper Derek Martin with Piper and event emcee Ian Dean, Mayor Greg Williamson and Piper and event coordinator Deb Orr. Photos supplied
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