St Benedict’s Pipe Band crowned 2026 national champions
More than 200 competitors from across Southern Africa descended on St Benedict’s College for the 2026 South African Pipe Band Championships.
St Benedict’s College welcomed thousands of spectators and 27 pipe bands to the recent 2026 South African Pipe Band Championships.
Hosted by the Bedfordview school for the second consecutive year, the championships brought together more than 200 competitors from across Southern Africa for a day of world-class piping and drumming.
The event, which marks the culmination of the national competitive season, concluded with the traditional Massed Band Display, featuring all participating bands.
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The host school enjoyed success in the Juvenile Grade, the highest competitive grade for school bands, with the St Benedict’s Pipe Band claiming the national title.
St John’s College, Harare, placed second, followed by Pretoria Boys High School.
Other winners included Benoni High School (Novice School Grade), St Andrew’s College, Makhanda (open Grade 4) and The Pretoria Highlanders (Grade 3).
In the premier Open Grade, Comhlan 1645 claimed its first national championship title, while Reabetswe Taele of Benoni High School secured a double victory in the Junior and Open Drum Major competitions.
Visitors also enjoyed Highland dancing, a craft market, food vendors and family entertainment throughout the day.
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St Benedict’s College thanked the South African Pipe Band Association, judges, officials, volunteers, competitors and spectators for contributing to the success of the event.
The College also acknowledged the valued support of its sponsors: Motus Bedfordview, Bennigans, Holy Rosary School, Assumption Convent School, Evolate Property, Marshall Music, Print DS, Swagelok (FerruleTech), St Benedict’s Rowing Fundraising Team, Dr Nadia Green-Thompson and HelloPay, whose generosity helped make the championships possible.
The successful event reinforced the South African Pipe Band Championships’ place as one of the country’s leading celebrations of Scottish musical heritage and pipe band excellence.
