Invercargill's ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band's grade 2 band is national champion after a clean sweep at this year's major competition in Dunedin this weekend.

The grade 2 band competed against bands from throughout the country to win the Neil Crude Memorial Shield. Its winning performances included the Street March, Set (March, Strathspey and Reel) and Medley. It also won the grade 2 drumming championship and was second in the grade 2 Bass Section championship.

The band's drum major Nathan Harris was judged top drum major and took home the Harry Pay Memorial Challenge trophy.

Invercargill's junior bands were also in the prizes. The grade 4a band won its Street March and drumming championship, finishing runner up in its overall grade championship, while the grade 4b band won its drumming and was 3rd overall in its grade.

Other Southland bands to compete at this years event included Hokonui Celtic Pipe Band and Waimatuku Southern Scenic Highland Pipe Band.

The grade 1 national championship was won by Canterbury Caledonian Pipe Band.