The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch in conjunction with RSPBANI Mid Ulster Section and with the support of Mid Ulster District Council is pleased to host the 71st Ulster Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships.
This event will be held in the fantastic grounds of Cookstown High School, a few minutes from the town centre and will take place on Saturday 3 August from 10am.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Eugene McConnell said, “I am pleased to see the return of the Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championship 2024 to Cookstown this August. Celebrating their 71st year of this championship competition, it is always a highly anticipated and successful event, bringing competitors and spectators from far and wide to Mid Ulster and I look forward to welcoming them to our district.”
RSPBANI Chairperson, Alastair Patterson said, “Following our announcement earlier in the season that support for this year’s Ulster Championships had been withdrawn quite late in the day, we immediately started work to find a replacement. With help from a number of Branch and Section colleagues we were able to secure a venue for this year’s event to take place and I am delighted that the 2024 Ulster Championships is coming to Cookstown on Saturday 3rd August and in particular, to the popular Cookstown High School venue. It is great to be working in collaboration with our Mid Ulster Section and also with the team at Mid Ulster District Council in the delivery of this premier event within the Northern Ireland season for our bands, drum majors and our avid followers. This is guaranteed to be an excellent event and we certainly look forward to feeling every beat, hearing every note and seeing every flourish.”
RSPBANI Mid Ulster Section Chairperson, Mr Trevor Wilson said, “We in the Mid Ulster Section are very pleased to see another contest in our district this year and we look forward to welcoming the bands, drum majors and spectators back to Cookstown High School again this summer. Along with our Branch colleagues, we are collectively indebted to Mid Ulster District Council for supporting this second event in the 2024 season which was at shorter notice than we usually plan for. Without the support of Council, the event would not have been possible. My sincere thanks also go to the Principal of Cookstown High School for once again allowing the sound of the pipes and drums and the spectacle of our Drum Majors to fill the air around the school, a simply wonderful venue for pipe bands right in the heart of Ulster.”
ATTENDING THE ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIPS
Parking:
There is ample parking for everyone including those who need accessible parking. Whilst we try to keep our events free for everyone, there will be a small charge of £5 per vehicle to park within the High School grounds and we will be accepting cash and card payments at the gate. Our volunteers will be in place to guide everyone to the parking areas.
If you require an Accessible Parking Pass, a Band Coach Pass or a Band Gazebo Pass please complete the attached Form here.
All other vehicles will be parked in the general public parking available at the School.
Motorhome Parking:
Unfortunately, no overnight motorhome parking is available at the High School in Cookstown. General public parking will be available on the day for Motorhomes.
Gazebos:
To bring a gazebo to the Ulster Championships, all Bands must complete the Parking Pass Application and select Band Gazebo Pass. You will be asked to forward a copy of your Public Liability Insurance cover. This must be submitted to contests@rspbani.com before a pass can be issued. Form available here.
If organisers request that gazebos are taken down during the contest, based on safety, this must be complied with.
Food:
There will be a selection of food vendors on the day.
Recording & Photographs:
Video or audio recordings or photographs are not permitted without written permission from RSPBANI prior to the commencement of the Championships.
Visit Cookstown:
For things to see and do around Mid Ulster click here.
