

Antrim & Newtownabbey Pipe Band Championships 2025
28th June @ 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Attending the Antrim & Newtownabbey Championships 2025 at Antrim Castle Gardens
Admission & Parking
Admission: Free
Parking is limited within Antrim Castle Gardens and this is reserved for Accessible Parking, Band Coaches and Adjudicators only. Branch Officials are prioritising the provision for Accessible parking. It is recommended that you apply for an Accessible Parking Pass as soon as possible as the application system will close when all available accessible spaces are allocated. Further spaces will be available at The Junction Retail Park and it is accessible-friendly also.
General Parking:
The Branch has organised a complimentary shuttle bus service from The Junction Retail Park. Parking is free and Bands and spectators can use the service which will run all day between 8am and 7pm. The buses will bring you right into Castle Gardens and are accessible for disabled persons. Signage will direct you to the [Green Area] at The Junction to park and get on the bus.
Accessible Parking:
Limited space for Blue Badge holders is available at the designated Accessible Car Parking Zone within Antrim Castle Gardens site – Gate Stewards will direct you. Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form and select ‘Accessible Car’. The amount of spaces is limited and when all spaces are allocated, you will need to seek alternative parking. You must upload a picture of your valid Blue Badge when applying online and you must present and display a valid Blue Badge for an occupant of the vehicle on the day to be admitted to the accessible parking zone.
Band Coach Parking:
Coaches must only park at designated coach parking zone – Gate Stewards will direct you. Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form and select ‘Band Coach’
Motorhomes:
Unfortunately, no overnight motorhome parking is available in Antrim Castle Gardens.
Also, due to limited parking at the site, motorhome parking is restricted to Blue Badge holders only. Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form and select ‘Accessible Motorhome’.
Band Guidance
Band Gazebos:
Gazebos must only be erected within the designated band tuning/practice areas and parking in proximity will be available to facilitate putting up and taking down efficiently. Gazebo Pass is limited to 1 vehicle per band – Gate Stewards will direct you. Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form and select ‘Band Gazabo’. You must have valid Public Liability Insurance schedule when applying online. If you have previously provided evidence for previous Gazebo pass this year, you do not need to reupload.
*If event organisers request gazebos to be taken down during the event for safety reasons, this must be complied with.
Practice / Tuning:
When your band is practicing/tuning, you must be aware of your proximity to any band and/or drum major contest arenas and must ensure that you do not get too close as to cause interference with them. Final Tuning for both band arenas will be clearly identifiable. Bands should only sound within the final tuning area to ensure there is no interference with any contest arenas for bands or Drum Majors. Bands should follow any requests from RSPBA Directors or Branch Stewards regarding this and must comply.
Finale:
Bands should start preparing at 16:45hrs for massed band finale! All bands and Drum Majors should be in place no later than 16:55hrs. Nominated lead bands for this Championship are: Major Sinclair Memorial 4B, Ballyboley, Cullybackey, Major Sinclair Memorial 3A and McNeillstown and will be informed by email in advance.
*Drum Majors must not flourish when gathering for the finale as this poses a safety risk to other bandspeople.
General Information
Programmes:
Will be available to purchase from the Registration Tent at a cost of £3.00. Cash, card and contactless is accepted.
Food/Drink:
There will be a selection of food and drink vendors on the day. Please note, some may only take cash.
Barbeques:
Fixed and disposable barbeques are not permitted within Antrim Castle Gardens.
Toilet Facilities:
Portaloos will be available at the event and will be detailed on the map within the programme. Please show respect to fellow users and leave the facility as you would wish to find it. Please also respect users of Accessible facilities as not all disabilities are visible.
First Aid:
Accredited First Aid will be available at the contest area and will be detailed on the map within the programme.
Lost Persons:
Please report any lost persons immediately to any Branch officials on duty or at the RSPBANI van.
Drones:
Drones are not permitted to be flown above any crowd or public event. This restriction applies to all drones, regardless of size and weight. This is to ensure public safety and to minimise the risk of accidents or injuries.
Litter:
Please dispose of all litter in the bins provided around the event site. This is a public space and normal litter rules apply. Bands/Drum Majors are responsible for clearing litter from any practice space they occupy throughout the day.
Dogs:
Assistance dogs are welcome at this event. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a short lead and must be able to cope with large crowds and loud noises. Please ensure any dogs barking does not interfere with performances. Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins.
Unacceptable Behaviour:
This event is made possible with the help of our volunteers who are on duty to help and assist you – please demonstrate respect to them always. There is a zero-tolerance approach to any abuse of our volunteers and event officials.
Recording & Photographs:
Our volunteer photography team will be on hand to capture photos of the event. A reminder that video recordings, audio recordings or photographs are not permitted without written permission from The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch prior to the commencement of the Championships. Please contact media@rspbani.org to discuss.
Visit Antrim:
For any general event queries, please email contests@rspbani.org.
For specific Band/Drum Major queries, please email secretary@rspbani.org.
Playing Requirements
Grade 1: | ‘Big’ MSR (Minimum 4-parted tunes) |
Grade 2: | Medley (4-6 mins) |
Grade 3a: | MSR |
Grade 3b: | MSR |
Grade 4a: | March, Strathspey and Reel. |
Grade 4b: | March Selection. |
Closing date for entries: Monday 9th June 2025
Draw
Band Draw is available here
Antrim-2025-Bands-Draw.
Drum Major Draw is available here
Antrim-2025-DM-Draw.
Results
Results summaries will be available here after the contest ends