RSPBANI are delighted to be hosting the inaugural United Kingdom (Adult) Solo Drumming Championships which will take place on Saturday 3rd September.

The winner will be awarded with the title of 'United Kingdom Solo Drumming Champion' and will be presented with the Bobby Rea Cup.

This event also incorporates the World Solo Drumming pre-qualifying event with four semi-final spots up for grabs

Entries are now opened and the rules can be found here
To enter, please create an account on the website and log in, use the 'My Account' section at the top of the site and enter via the 'Soloist' tab - please confirm that your band is correct on the 'Band & Solo Details' tab

Contact secretary@rspbani.org if you require assistance creating an account, updating your band or entering the contest

Unfortunately, we could not facilitiate the Festival on 7th May, but may consider an alternative Festival date later in the summer. 

Fancy a family day out to Newcastle this Saturday?

McDonald Memorial is running a bus to the contest in Donard Park, leaving Banbridge at 8am, bus back approx 7.30pm.

Cost is £10 for adults, £5 for 16-18-year-olds, FREE for under 16s.

Spaces still available.

Contact Gary on 07802505611

Can any band who can not "play up" in the grade above please let the secretary know ASAP so that we can adjust the times for the grades before the programme goes to print

The band draw for Newcastle has now been updated on the website

The Drum Major draw for Newcastle has now been updated on the website

Drum Majors Dress will take place at 11:00

Augharan Pipe Band have a coach travelling to the Heart of the Down Championships in Newcastle on Saturday 6th August 2022,

Anyone interested in reserving a place please contact Alastair Brown (Band Secretary) 07989536545 for more details.

Augharan Pipe Band
‘Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103145’

Trip to "Worlds Glasgow" 2022

1 Person Place Available

Coach, Ferry & 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast at Premier Inn Charing Cross Thursday 11th August to Sunday 14th August22

Ferry: Stena Belfast Sailing 11th @ 11.30am and return Cairnryan Sailing 14th @ 15.30pm

Cost per/person £330

To reserve this place contact Alastair Brown (Band Secretary) 07989536545

McDonald Memorial have spaces available on a bus to Ballymena for the Ulster Championships on 23rd July

Pickups in Banbridge (8am leaving no later than 8.15am) & Dromore (8.30am, leaving no later than 8.45am).  Arriving in Ballymena for 9.45am.

If you're interested please get in touch with any band member or Vikki on 07718914024

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are pleased to announce the launch of the Heart o' Down Pipe Band Championships for 2022.

 

This year's event will again be held in the familiar surroundings of Donard Park in Newcastle which played host to the Ulster Championships in 2019. The event will take place on Saturday 6 August 2022 and will start at 10am. 

 

This event takes place just one week prior to the RSPBA World Pipe Band Championships which is taking place in Glasgow the following weekend. As this will be the final local championship of the 2022 season, the event will also incorporate the RSPBANI Champion of Champions prizes at the conclusion of the day. This championship will feature contests for Pipe Bands from Grades Four B up to Grade One with upwards of 35 bands and an expected total of over 50 band performances across the day. Over 30 drum majors are also expected to compete as well as highland dancers. 

 

The Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor Michael Savage commented;

 

“I am pleased to welcome the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) to Newcastle for ‘The Heart o’ Down Pipe Band Championships’. Undoubtingly, Donard Park will be full of music and colour as Pipe Bands, Drum Majors and Highland Dancers return to the seaside town. This cultural and musical event has proven to attract many visitors who are sure to enjoy an abundance of music and competitions which feature the best bands and dancers throughout the country.”

 

 

Vice President of RSPBANI, Mr Lowry Ferguson, said:

 

"I am so happy to welcome our bands, drum majors and highland dancers back to compete under the spectacular Mourne Mountains once again. This contest is always a firm favourite of our bands as well as spectators in the lovely seaside town of Newcastle. A great venue and always a great day for everyone."

Parking will be available at Donard Park, with specific areas for Disabled parking. 

 

Visit www.rspbani.org and use the contact link if you require further information.

The band draw for the Ulsters has now been updated on the website

The Drum Major draw for the Ulsters has now been updated on the website

Drum Majors Dress will take place at 11:00