Pipe Bands contest makes welcome return to Moira

Councillor Uel Mackin, with Ian Burrows, Project Manager at RSPBANI

The annual event, held at Moira Demesne, is organised in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch and up to 56 pipe bands and more than 40 drum majors will battle it out to be crowned this year’s champions.

There will be stiff competition from across Northern Ireland and further afield, including New Zealand, as competitors enter the arena in the hope of delivering first-class performances.

Councillor Uel Mackin, Chairman of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee, said: “I am delighted that the council is once again to play host to a prestigious pipe band championship.

“There is a strong partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and I would like to thank all those in the Northern Ireland Branch for their hard work in securing this event in Moira.

“If you like the sounds of the ‘pipes and drums’ then please come along and enjoy the experience. It will certainly be a lovely day out for all the family.

“The sights and sounds of hundreds of pipers and drummers is an experience not to be missed.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to all competitors from near and far and I hope you all have an enjoyable day, whatever the result.

“The council is expecting large crowds to descend on Moira Demesne and is looking forward to it.”

Organisers promise fun for all the family with lots of events including food and trade stalls, kids’ rides, amusements and other activities on site. There will also be a selection of eateries in the village itself.

The Council will be exhibiting to showcase what is going on in and around the city. The exhibition trailer will be open from 12 noon to 5.30pm. The competition is due to start at 11am and run until 6.15pm.

Admission is free and car parking is available. Disabled parking is also available.

For further information contact the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch on 028 9267 0445 or visit www.rspbani.org.

The council has also staged the European, the All Ireland and the County Down Pipe Band Championships.