Mid and East Antrim to host NI’S largest Pipe Band event!
Wednesday 21 June 2023
The prestigious All-Ireland Pipe Band Championships will once again return to Mid and East Antrim this summer - in the picturesque grounds of Ballymena Academy.
The popular event will take place on Saturday 1 July, with free admission and parking.
The championships rotate each year between a venue in the Republic and Northern Ireland. It is one of the key outings in the pipe band calendar and always attracts a strong entry list.
Organised by the Joint Association Council of the RSPBA NI Branch and the Irish Pipe Band Association in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, the contest gets underway at 10am.
Almost 50 pipe bands from all over Ireland will be competing, joined by the current Grade 1 World Champions, Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band. As well as the band competitions, there will also be 35 Drum Majors and 60 Highland Dancers competing.
At the end of the competition, there will be the spectacle of the Grand Finale March Past and Salute to the Chieftain, when all the bands come together and play as one before the prize giving.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: "I am so excited and pleased that we have the opportunity to welcome the pipe bands and spectators to our beautiful Borough.
“During this fantastic event, we will be able to enjoy the excellent spectacle of the pipe bands plus the skill of the drum majors and the highland dancers - with a brilliant atmosphere that all the family can enjoy.
“We are also putting on a free shuttle service between the venue and the town centre so spectators can enjoy Ballymena’s strong retail and hospitality offering.”
With excellent music, good food and fun-filled family activities – this is truly a day out not to miss!
Admission is free.
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