Pipers play at emotional tribute to bomb victims

Reporter: Jacob Metcalf
Date published: 07 June 2017


OLDHAM Scottish Pipe Band joined hundreds of pipe and drum players from across the country in Manchester City Centre to pay tribute to the victims of the Manchester Arena bombing.

The bands came together to play at Piccadilly Gardens and St Ann's Square on Sunday lunchtime in memory of the 22 victims of the attack.

Organised by Colin Murphy, of Manchester Community Pipe Band, with help from Graham Houghton, Oldham Scottish Pipe Band secretary, about 250 pipers and drummers performed.

Graham took command of the group at St Anne's Square during an emotional performance which he said didn't leave a "dry eye in the house".

There were representatives from 18 bands, with one musician travelling from Vancouver, Canada.

Bands from Scotland, Wales, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bolton, West Yorkshire, Accrington and Southampton also attended. They played at Piccadilly Gardens for about an hour before being invited by police to play at St Ann's Square.

Graham said: "It was so emotional at St Ann's Square. I have to give all the credit to Colin for organising it. We had people coming up and giving us hugs and there were so many tears.

"I have loved pipes ever since I was 12 and I can say now I have made 250 more friends. Each person who played got their hand shaken and a cuddle and a kiss."

Michelle Hoy, Oldham Scottish Pipe Band events co-ordinator whose children play in the band, said: "I noticed that in the centre everyone is usually busy and get on with their day, but everybody was smiling, everybody stopped and watched, everyone around the place was smiling, everybody stopped and talked to the band, it was very sad and there were tears but at the same time it was nice."