The shrill of bagpipes and steady beat of drums marked the opening of Condobolin’s 5th Tattoo - a spectacular performance of pipe bands and cultural dancing. 

Despite the dreary weather on Saturday 10 September, the event began at 5pm with a street parade followed by outdoor performances entertaining a large crowd that piled in by the dozen. 

Condobolin’s RSL Pipe Band played host to a number of visiting acts, including the Lithgow Highland Pipe Band, Scots All Saints College Pipes & Drums Band, Wagga and District Highland Pipe Band, Yanco Agricultural High School DrumCorp, Leeton Pipe Band, The Granville Boys High School, The Joy Reiher School of Scottish Dancing, The Galari Bia Waga Dhannys dancers, Parkes Shire Concert Band and many individual pipers and drummers.

The first Condobolin Tattoo was held in 2008 and has been held every three years since then, though COVID-19 saw the event paused for the past two years.

The band itself, however, was formed in 1956 to lead Condobolin’s returned servicemen in their annual ANZAC Day march. They have since partnered with the Condobolin RSL Club to help support them with uniforms and equipment to ensure that there is always a band on parade at every ANZAC Day ceremony. 

The survival and continued strength of the Condobolin RSL Pipe Band comes down to its community roots, said Condobolin local, Belinda Neal.

“We have an agreement that if you’ve ever played with the pipe band, you’re a member for life, so people who have moved away still come back and play from all over the place,” she said. 

In addition to their ANZAC Day march, the Pipe Band regularly performs at many community events locally and within the wider district including Condobolin’s annual show in August, New Year’s Eve at the Condobolin Retirement Village, The Parkes Elvis Festival and the ABBA Festival in Trundle. 

Their triennial Tattoo, however, is their most anticipated event. 

“Each tattoo has been a great success and has helped attract new members to learn both the pipes and drums. The event also attracts Pipe Bands and performers from all over New South Wales and interstate,” said Condobolin’s Pipe Major, Robert Neal. 

“This tattoo showcases another dimension of Pipe Bands where the crowd is entertained by pipers, dancers and other musical acts,” he added, “and since our first Tattoo in 2008, we have consistently gained new members.”

The Condobolin RSL Pipe Band are supported by sponsors Condobolin RSL Club, Lachlan Shire Council, Evolution Mining, Chamen’s Supa IGA & Liquor, APA Group’s Community Grants Program, Lachlan Arts Council and the Condobolin P.A.H&I Association. 

The success of the event is also due to the work of many volunteers in the community. 

With plans for the next Tattoo now in the works and a growing list of members, the band is set to remain the pre-eminent background tune for the community of Condobolin.