FLASH MOB

On Saturday 26th Oct 2024, the Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums, along with members from the Blue Mountains Pipes and Drums, Hornsby RSL Pipe Band, Southern Cross Liverpool Catholic Club Pipe Band, Northern Suburbs Pipe Band, Parramatta RSL Caledonian Pipe Band and the NSW Police Pipe Band conducted a “FLASH MOB” at Westfield Penrith Plaza.

The reason for the event was to raise the profile of Pipes and drums and to promote music.

A total of 35 members (17 pipers / 18 drummers) voluntarily gave up their time on the morning to perform 5 tunes including Highland Cathedral, Leffo’s Organ, Rose of Allandale, Amazing Grace and Scotland the Brave.

All personnel were in civilian attire so shoppers were not aware the ADHOC concert was going to occur. At 10 am, the event kicked off with the new Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums, Drum SGT (Justin Mannering) marching out of the car park on the ground floor playing his side drum. Shortly afterwards, the Pipe Major (Andrew Iverson) from Penrith commenced playing Highland Cathedral. Over the next 30 or so seconds the other 33 members joined in, both o the ground floor and on the first floor.  

Members of the public were excited, amazed and stunned but enjoyed the experience. On-lookers were seen crying, smiling and generally overwhelmed by the passion of the music on offer. Indeed, this can be viewed on the many videos that can be found on the Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Tik Tok sites.  One lady approach a member of the team and stated “I was having a really bad day until I heard the music. You have made my day. Thank you”.

Overall, the FLASH MOB was a huge success, with endless praise and admiration flowing in from the general community who observed the event. Therefore, if the objective was to promote music, I feel we have achieved the goal.

On behalf of the entire Penrith RSL Pipes and Drums team, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved for your immeasurable generosity and support on the day. 

Great Job