Celebrating 75 Years of Competition with a Lurgan Park Warmup to The Worlds

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch is thrilled to announce that our contest on 8 August will be the Craigavon & District Pipe Band + Drum Major Championships 2026, returning to the familiar, leafy expanse of Lurgan Park — and this year, the occasion carries extra resonance!

We’re marking our amazing milestone of 75 years since the very first Branch Championship event was held, back in May 1951 — and fittingly, the band featured on this year’s advertising is Innishrush Pipe Band from Co. Londonderry, which records suggest is the first band to step forward and compete in that inaugural contest. Seventy five years later, their image stands as a tribute to the roots of our competitive traditions and the generations who have carried it forward.

Set in one of Northern Ireland’s most beloved public parks, this year’s Craigavon + District Championships blends heritage, celebration, and anticipation. With The Worlds in Glasgow just one week after, Lurgan Park becomes the perfect stage for bands to refine, recharge, and rise to the moment — a final flourish locally before heading over to the big yin!

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What to Expect

  • Top‑class performances from bands across all grades
  • Drum Major competition showcasing the top-class performances preparing for the all-important Worlds runs
  • A warm, family friendly atmosphere in one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic outdoor venues
  • A chance to enjoy Lurgan Park’s lakes and walks and a short hop to the main street cafés, and local attractions – whilst supporting our talented competitors
  • A special nod to 75 years of the Northern Ireland Branch championships, honouring the bands and volunteers who built the tradition we celebrate today


Event Details

📍 Lurgan Park, Avenue Road, Lurgan
📅 Saturday 8 August 2026
⏰ 11am – 6pm

Full event information, including parking and competitor details, will be updated on the 🔗event page as plans progress.

Entries for all grades are still open to 13 July 2026
🔗Band entries  |  🔗Drum Major entries


A Word of Thanks

Our sincere thanks to Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council for welcoming the bands back to Lurgan Park again and for its kind support in hosting this Championship event.

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Come be part of our continuing story — 75 years behind us, the Worlds just ahead!

Lurgan Park awaits — a place where history meets harmony, where music carries through the trees and across the lake, and where every beat, every note, and every flourish finds its moment. Join us as we celebrate 75 years of competition, honour the bands who paved the way, and cheer on today’s performers as they prepare for the biggest stage of all — The World Pipe Band Championships!

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For those wishing to explore the local area before or after the Ulster Championships, more information can be found at: 🔗www.visitcraigavon.com