Sounds of The Bag Pipes from Hillcrest Park, Free Concerts Thursdays in July

Fans of Celtic music or the bag pipes should plan to visit Hillcrest Park on any Thursday night this July when in Thunder Bay this summer.

Every summer the Macgillivray Pipe Band presents free concerts to the masses.  Grab a lawn chair, bring a jacket in case the wind blows in off Lake Superior and take an hour out of your schedule to relax and enjoy a set of traditional Scottish tunes in one of Thunder Bay's most picturesque parks. Hillcrest Park is known for its great view of the Sleeping Giant and Lake Superior overlooking the city.

A Band of World Renown

The Macgillivray Pipe Band is one of the oldest private pipe bands in North America, having been founded in 1917. 

They have quite a pedigree that includes performing for the Queen, Canadian Prime Ministers and other dignitaries.  In 1972 the band marched in the world famous Rose Bowl Parade and have been invited to play on stage during local concerts by such bands as The Barenaked Ladies.

The Macgillivray Pipe Band has earned awards at many competitions including the Scottish World Festival in Toronto.

Thursday Night Concerts at Hillcrest Park

The Thursday night performances start at 7:30 p.m. and last about one hour.  Their set includes such classics as Amazing Grace, Scotland the Brave, Green Hills, When The Battle Is O’er, and Auld Lang Syne.

The dates of their 2013 performances at Hillcrest Park are July 5, 12, 19 and 26; and are all weather permitting. 

About Richard Boon

Richard Boon is a Thunder Bay native who spends much of his spare time hiking and doing nature photography.  He is a past member and hike leader with the Thunder Bay Hiking Association and a former broadcaster..

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