Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey at Launch Event in Antrim Castle Gardens
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch with the support of Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council is pleased to announce the launch of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Pipe Band + Drum Major Championships 2025. This event will again be held in the fantastic and familiar grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens, right in centre of the town and will take place on Saturday 28 June from 10am. The Chieftain of the Day is Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey. Photographed at the launch event in Antrim Castle Gardens is Left to right: Mark Armstrong (Leading Drummer of Major Sinclair Memorial), Jay Telford (Piper with Major Sinclair Memorial), Martha McAnally (Tenor Drummer with Ballyboley), Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick (Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey), Charlotte Adamson (Drum Major of Major Sinclair Memorial), Alistair McCleery (Director of RSPBA), Carson Brown (Snare Drummer with Major Sinclair Memorial) and Drew McAnally (Pipe Major of Ballyboley).
Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey said:
“As Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey and Chieftain of the Day, I am looking forward to welcoming you to the Antrim & Newtownabbey Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships, proudly hosted by The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch. Set in the stunning surroundings of Antrim Castle Gardens, the Council is delighted to play host once again to such a prestigious event, celebrating not only the extraordinary talent of pipe bands, drum majors, and dancers, but also the rich heritage they represent.
“This is a great day out for all ages, and I would encourage you to come along, soak up the atmosphere, and support the many talented bands and drum majors taking part on the day.”
Andrew Graham, Chair of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch said:
“We are looking forward to a return to the beautiful grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens for this year’s Championships. This will be the second Branch-organised outdoor event of the season with over 50 band performances and over 30 individual Drum Majors competing on the day. The Branch is once again grateful to Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council for sponsoring this event and I pass on my sincere thanks to Cllr. Kirkpatrick for her support. My thanks also extend to our wonderful Branch team for their careful organisation and to our other volunteers for their continued hard work. Thank you also to our bands and Drum Majors for their continued entries and support of our local contests and of course, good luck to all on the day!”
There will be ample Free parking for everyone at The Junction retail park with a dedicated shuttlebus service running from 8am. This service is also equipped for accessible needs and will drop you right to the event site. Limited Accessible Parking for those with a blue badge will be available at the Antrim Castle Gardens site and you can apply for this in advance through our website on the dedicated event page at: rspbani.org/event/antrim-2025, where all event information is available. We would encourage you to apply early as demand on the limited spaces will be high.
There will be our usual array of food and drink vendors on the day and there is a selection of shops and eateries around Antrim town a short distance away which we would also encourage everyone to support.
For media enquiries or any further details please contact:
Erinn McIlwaine, Media & Communications Chairperson on 07515 556025 or email media@rspbani.org
