Heart O’Down Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships 2024

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch is pleased to host the Heart O’Down Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships & Highland Dancing Competition taking place on Saturday 10 August 2024 in Donard Park, Newcastle.

The Highland Dancing Competition will be held indoors in Shimna College, King Street, Newcastle (a short walk from Donard Park) from 10am.

The Chieftain of the Day will be Councillor Pete Byrne, Chairperson of Newry Mourne and Down District Council.  Bands and Drum Majors dress will commence from 11am with the finale expected at approx. 5pm.  This Championship is also our Champion of Champions and after the prize giving, there will be a short parade of the Town.

This event is being supported by Newry Mourne and Down District Council.

ATTENDING THE HEART O’DOWN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Admission:  Admission and parking in Donard Park is free.

Parking:  Coach parking to be pre-booked by completing the attached form here.

Accessible parking will be in the new car park area on a first come, first served basis.  You need to present and display a blue badge for an occupant of the vehicle to be admitted to the accessible parking area.  Please note, there is a vehicle height restriction to enter this car park.

For Pipe Bands bringing a Gazebo, all Bands who attended the Ulster Championships and who have already provided a copy of their insurance to the Branch Office, will receive by email a Gazebo Pass.  All other Bands to pre-book and provide a copy of your insurance by completing the attached form here.  Insurance to be emailed to contests@rspbani.org

All other vehicles will be parked on the Hill in Donard Park.  Car parking on the Hill will close at 7pm so please ensure you have removed your vehicle before this time.  Please enter via Donard Park and please exit this carpark via Shan Slieve Drive.

All visitors must adhere to guidance/directions at all times from our Traffic Team and/or PSNI.

Motorhome Parking:

Unfortunately, no overnight parking is available in Donard Park.  General public parking will be available on the day for Motorhomes.  Overnight accommodation information is available here.

Gazebos:

If organisers request gazebos to be 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.  Please note, some traders only take cash.

Recording & Photographs:

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

Parade of the Town:

A short parade of the Town will take place immediately after the Finale for Bands, Drum Majors and Highland Dancers.  This will commence from Donard Car Park Main Entrance, Bryansford Road, Central Promenade, Beach Footpath returning to Donard Car Park Rear Entrance.

Programmes:

Programmes will be available to purchase from the Registration Tent at a cost of £3.  This can be paid by cash or card.

Visit the Mournes:

For things to see and do around Newcastle click here.

Playing Requirements

**If Grade 2 is a straight final at the Worlds, 10th August contest will be Medley
***If Grade 3a or Grade 3b are a straight final at the Worlds, 10th August conest will be MSR for the relevant grade

Newcastle – Bands – Draw

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Newcastle – Drum Majors – Draw

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