Jersey (Channel Islands)

In November 1996 Andy received a request for two pipers to fly, all expenses paid, to Jersey for three days over New Year. What an opportunity! Andy and Dave were on the first available flight out of Glasgow on the 29th of December and were duly met and hosted by one of the wealthiest men on the Island, along with a senior manager within his organisation. We played in pubs, clubs, restaurants and in the streets, in fact anywhere that demanded some entertainment. We even managed to sway the thoughts and feelings of a seemingly non-partisan crowd in a rave, just after the bells.

Bringing in the New Year in Jersey was an amazing experience, and one that was to be repeated in both 1998 and 1999.

New Year 2003 saw one of the Piping Services Partners rekindle this connection, however this time it was Iain who enjoyed the Channel Island New Year experience. He, and another piper from the Williamwood Pipe Band, stayed in Jersey for four days, playing in a variety of locations and living it up as the others have done before. The four days were both a great time and extremely busy. Iain and the other piper were based in the Royal Hotel and Bar 27, both in St Helier, but played at over sixteen different venues at all times of the day, and night.

Already plans are underway for a return to the island again for the 2004/5 New Year celebrations.