Hawthorn Pipe Band perform their Grade 1 March, Strathspey & Reel at the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships on Glasgow Green.
Based in Melbourne and founded in 1914, Hawthorn are one of Australia’s longest-established and most successful pipe bands. Led by Pipe Major Matt Fraser and Drum Sergeant Steven Shedden, the band were upgraded to Grade 1 in Australia following the 2023 season, making their appearance at the 2026 Worlds a significant milestone — their first time competing at the top grade in Scotland.
Hawthorn went on to finish 11th overall in a highly competitive 13-band Grade 1 field, a strong showing on their first Worlds campaign at this level. Their 2026 appearance also underlined the growing international strength of Australian pipe bands, with Hawthorn representing Victoria on the biggest stage in the pipe band calendar.
Watch their MSR performance in full, streamed by TRADtv at the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships.
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