Antrim & Newtownabbey Regional Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships 2024

The Event:

The Antrim & Newtownabbey Regional Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships is returning to the scenic Castle Gardens in Antrim on Saturday 29 June 2024.

A total of 44 Drum Majors and 48 Band performances will commence from 11am and the Grand Finale and Prize Giving is expected to be at 5pm.  The Chieftain of the Day will be our very own  President of the NI Branch, Winston Pinkerton.

Admission is free.

Parking:

Parking is limited within Castle Gardens and this will be reserved for Coach Parking, Adjudicators and Accessible Parking.  You will require a Parking Permit or a Blue Badge to gain access.  Blue Badge access will be on a first come, first served basis and will be limited.

The Branch has organised a complimentary shuttle bus service, where Band Members and public can park at The Junction, Antrim and double decker Translink buses will bring you right into Castle Gardens.  This service will be running constantly from 8.00am to 7.00pm.  Signage will direct you at The Junction where to pick up the bus.  Where you are left off, we be where you pick up the service for your return journey.

Additional parking is available in the Town centre carparks.  Please adhere to the directional signage around the Town.

Unfortunately, no overnight motorhome parking is available in Castle Gardens.  Due to limited parking, we will have to restrict entry for Motorhomes and only allow accessible parking.  Details on caravan parks for motorhomes in the Antrim area can be found here.

Gazebos:

For Bands bringing a Gazebo, you will be permitted to enter Castle Gardens, via the Randalstown Road.  Please ensure your Band has public liability insurance to cover your gazebo and equipment, which may be required to be presented on the day.  If organisers request that gazebos are taken down based on safety, this must be complied with.

If you are bringing a coach or requesting access for a Band Gazebo, please inform the Branch Office by email patricia.pedlow@rspbani.org

 Accessibility:

Accessible toilets will be available in Castle Gardens.  Wheelchair users can access the event as it is mainly level ground on short grass.  The complimentary shuttle bus service operated by Translink will be using accessible buses.

Food & Drink:

A selection of food traders will be available in Castle Gardens.  Please note, some caterers accept cash only.

Barbeques are not permitted in Castle Gardens.

Dogs:

Well behaved dogs are welcome at this event but must be kept on a short lead and can cope with large crowds and loud noises. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins.

Recording & Photographs:

Video or audio recordings or photographs are not permitted without written permission from the RSPBANI prior to the commencement of the Championship.

Visit Antrim:

For things to see and do around Antrim and Newtownabbey click here.

Playing Requirements

Results will be available here after the contest