The Queensland Police Pipes and Drums (QPP&D) is set to reach a historic milestone as they prepare to perform alongside the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Suncorp Stadium tonight.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which has travelled from its Scottish homeland to perform in Australia and New Zealand, is recognised globally as one of the most prestigious military and cultural musical showcases.
The event brings together world‑class marching bands, drums, pipes, dancers and precision performance teams.
This year’s Brisbane performance marks the Tattoo’s debut in the city and forms part of its 75th Anniversary Show, ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’.
QPP&D’s selection to perform alongside elite performers from around the world was announced last October, signifying the world class talent of the police band and their commitment to the rich traditions of military and policing performance.
Officer in Charge of Queensland Police Pipes and Drums, Senior Sergeant Jodie Randall, said the band is honoured to represent Queensland Police Service (QPS) on such a renowned international stage.
“We are the only police band in Australia selected to perform at the Tattoo, which means a great deal to the band members,” Senior Sergeant Randall said.
Since the announcement, the band has been preparing tirelessly, balancing rehearsals with their ongoing commitments to community engagement and ceremonial duties.
“Everyone has been working incredibly hard to perfect their performances and to ensure audiences from around the world experience Queensland’s rich culture and the talent within our police service,” Senior Sergeant Randall said.
“The camaraderie within the band has been inspiring. Not only do the band members support one another, we have also been fortunate to receive help from honorary members across the service and Volunteers in Policing.”
Among those honorary members is Senior Constable Paul Donaldson, a police prosecutor from Warwick, who has swapped courtrooms for stadium crowds as he prepares to perform with QPP&D.
Reflecting on his diverse policing career, Senior Constable Donaldson said he never imagined it would lead him to the Tattoo stage.
“I’ve played bagpipes since high school, but I never really considered joining the Queensland Police Pipes and Drums when I first joined the service until I took on a relieving position,” said Senior Constable Donaldson.
His involvement began several years ago when he relieved in a Sergeant role within the band.
“When I relieved in the band, they discovered my passion for playing the bagpipes and since then I’ve stayed connected, performing as an honorary member when needed.”
When the Tattoo announcement was made, he didn’t expect to be part of the milestone event.
“The Tattoo is one of the world’s most prestigious military and cultural events, so I was thrilled for the band but didn’t expect I’d have the opportunity to join them,” he said.
“Thankfully, my team has been incredibly supportive in helping me participate, and I’m honoured to stand on that stage alongside my bandmates to represent the QPS.”
He said his experience in Police Prosecutions has unexpectedly prepared him for the demands of performing at such a large-scale event.
“Standing in court as a prosecutor teaches you to stay composed under pressure and communicate clearly – skills that are certainly helpful when performing in front of thousands.”
For Senior Constable Donaldson, performing at the Tattoo is both a career highlight and a personal milestone.
“It’s an honour to represent the QPS on such a global stage. Playing alongside my talented fellow band members will be a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity I’ll never forget.”
His journey reflects the diverse and unique opportunities available within the QPS.
“I’ve worked in the city, in rural areas, on the frontline and in prosecution. Now I also get to perform bagpipes, which I absolutely love, on an international stage,” he said.
“The QPS offers so many paths for people to grow in ways they may never have imagined.”
QPP&D’s performances at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo will run from tomorrow until 15 February at Suncorp Stadium, before they travel to New Zealand for the Auckland shows from 19 to 21 February.
