A Dundee pipe band is set to headline a festival in Dundee’s sister city, celebrating 70 years of the twinning.
The Mackenzie Caledonian Pipe Band will be joined by Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan to mark the anniversary in Orleans, France next weekend.
The band will perform as part of the Festival for Joan of Arc – who is nicknamed the Maid of Orleans after the city – and will lead a parade as part of the celebrations.
One of the highlights for MacKenzie Caledonian, or the MacCals as they are affectionately known, will be the opportunity to perform in the historic Saint Pierre du Martroi church.
During their visit, which has been part-funded by Orleans Council, the Mayor of Orleans will highlight the significant bond that exists between the people of Scotland and France stemming from the Auld Alliance. He will also recognise the part paid by Scottish Servicemen in the liberation of Orleans during World War 2.
The band recently launched their own CD and were placed in all of the major Pipe Band Championships in Grade 2 last year. They hope to build on this success by moving the band towards Grade 1, the top flight of pipe bands in the world, by their centenary in 2018.
The organisation is comprised of both and adult and junior band, and performs across Scotland. They also led the Athletes’ Parade following the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
