Introduction

Welcome to the West Midlands Police Pipe Band website. Formed in 1962 as the Birmingham City Police Pipe Band by serving officers originating from Scotland and Northern Ireland the band provided an opportunity for its members to pursue the musical culture of their homeland whilst promoting the image of the service. In 1974 as a result of regional reorganisation the band adopted its present title.

The primary function of the band is to represent the West Midlands Police in the community and since its formation it has attended and performed at numerous functions in the United Kingdom and Europe. The band has performed at tattoos and parades and also at international sporting events such as the 1974 world cup in Germany and on the concert stage. In 1996 the band represented Great Britain in France at Thiepval for the eightieth anniversary of the Battle of the Somme. The band has performed regularly in Frankfurt, Birmingham's twin city and most recently in Tuscany with the Band of the Irish Guards. From its inception the band has pursed success in the competition arena and previous successes have included the All-England pipe band championship and the Cowal championship. The band was promoted to Grade 2 in 2003, but following changes in personnel, now competes in grade 3. Recently, the band has taken on several good players and it is their ultimate ambition to regain Grade 2 status.

Originally comprising entirely of serving policemen the band now reflects the partnership between the police and the community and its ranks numbers a substantial proportion of civilian members of diverse backgrounds and occupations.

The band enjoys the active support of the West Midlands Police Authority in terms of financing, practice facilities and transport and appears with the permission of the Chief Constable Mr. Chris Sims, QPM.