PNGDF band featured in royal military tattoo

MEMBERS of the PNG Defence Force band and a cultural group featured in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Sydney last weekend.
They came from the military pipes and drums band, military band and drummers and dancers from the singsing cultural group.
The 85-member contingent included Warrant Officer Billy Vele and his son Private Billy Vele Junior, Corporal James Anena and daughter Jamelyn, and sisters Maria and Niule Memehere. The event was held at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney’s Olympic Park from Thursday to Saturday and attended by about 180,000 people.
The worldwide television audience was estimated to be 100 million. The PNGDF pipes and drums was supported by the UK Ministry of Defence. The PNGDF military band was supported by the Japan Ground Self Defence Force. Thirteen nations took part, seven were from the Pacific.