Cancellation of Geelong Contest, Ringwood Contest postponed (updated)

Pipe Bands Victoria in consultation with our promoters has continued to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 (coronavirus) as it impacts on our community. Attached is a memo from PBV and a media release from the Geelong Highland Gathering Committee.

In a rapidly changing environment, it is with deep regret and a heavy heart we advise our pipe band community that the contest scheduled for 15 March 2020 at Osborne Park, North Geelong has now been cancelled under instruction from the promoter.

We further advise that the Victorian Pipe Band Championships scheduled for Sunday 29 March 2020 at the Ringwood Highland Gathering will also be postponed. We are working with the promoter and advise rescheduling may occur at a later date.

We acknowledge and apologise for the inconvenience we know this will cause. However, in the context of COVID-19 infection, the health and safety of our members is of paramount importance. PBV will continue to review and assess all planned events with promoters and venues. This includes other scheduled upcoming events including ANZAC Day Parade and the 2020 Solo Drumming Program.

This advice is not pertinent to the Australian Pipe Band Championships scheduled to be held at Maryborough on 3-4 April 2020. Any announcements pertinent to that event will be made by the promoter and Pipe Bands Australia.

Please check emails and the PBV and PBA websites regularly for further updates.