Celtic Pipe Band (Nelson) is a New Zealand pipe band organisation based in Stoke, Nelson. It is one of the country’s newer pipe bands, established in 2007 with just ten learners at Stoke Primary School. From that small beginning, it has grown into a large teaching and competition organisation with more than 70 playing members.

The band runs both a Grade 4A entry-level competition band and a Grade 2 senior band. Its focus is strongly developmental, bringing together young players, adult learners, experienced pipers and drummers, and those progressing toward higher-level competition. The band’s own profile emphasises positive culture, high standards and supporting players to improve.

Celtic has built a strong national reputation, including winning Grade 4A at the New Zealand Championships in 2012 and Grade 3 at the 2015 New Zealand Championships in Nelson. It has also performed beyond New Zealand, with its Grade 2 band invited to take part in the German Musik Parade tour in 2014.

Today, Celtic Pipe Band is not just a contest band but a full Nelson piping community, offering tuition, concerts, learner programmes and performance opportunities. From ten learners in a school to Grade 2 competition and international performances