2023 CONCERT IN THE PARK

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—The 2023 Concert in Maitland Park hosted by the City of Maitland Pipes and Drums Band took place on Sunday July 30. Thousands came to Maitland Park to enjoy Celtic entertainment, live music, delicious food, local stalls and a display of vintage cars. Seven pipe bands from across NSW took part in the concert, as did musicians from Hunter Valley Grammar School, Maitland Brass Band, Elevate Irish Dance and Scotia Highland Dancers. The pipe bands joining City of Maitland Pipes and Drums were Cessnock's United Mineworkers Pipe Band, Sydney's Hills District Pipe Band, Hornsby RSL Pipe Band, City of Newcastle RSL Pipe Band, NSW Highlanders Pipes and Drums and Governor Macquarie Pipe Band. The quintet competition was won for the second year in a row by Cessnock's United Mineworkers Pipe Band. The concert was special for three of City of Maitland Pipes and Drums newest members, Dylan Byrne, Eamon Brown and Kelsey Philpott-Robinson, who had never played in a mass band before. Congratulations to the City of Maitland Pipes and Drums committee and volunteers from Maitland Lions Club and Maitland Classic Motor Association helped the day run smoothly.