The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch

Ards & North Down Pipe Band Championships 2025
2025-07-19 11:00 - 18:00 UTC | Regent House Playing Fields, 3 Comber Rd, Newtownards, BT23 4JS, United Kingdom
Attending Ards & North Down Championships 2025
Admission & Parking
Event Admission: Free

General Parking:

Parking is available at Regent House School campus (Circular Road, BT23 4AQ) which is 5 minute’s walk along the canal path. Parking is also available at town centre car parks, charges/restrictions may apply. Click here to see Council carpark information for Newtownards

Accessible Parking:

Limited car parking for Blue Badge holders is available at designated accessible car parking zone within the main venue. You must reserve a space in advance and you must have a valid blue badge for an occupant of the vehicle on the day. Motorhomes with blue badges can also book for this area.
Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form.

Band Coach Parking:

Band Coaches must only park at designated coach parking zone which is located at Regent House school campus.
Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form.

Motorhomes:

No overnight motorhome parking is available at the venue or at Regent House school campus. Please see Caravan and Camping – Ards & North Down for information.
Daily motorhome parking for the event will be at General Parking. Pre-booked Accessible Parking (see above) for motorhomes is available if an occupant of the vehicle holds a valid blue badge which must be presented at the gate.

Band Guidance
Band Gazebos:

Gazebos must only be erected within the designated band tuning/practice areas
Parking for gazebo transport is limited to 1 vehicle per band
Please pre-book gazebo parking using Parking Pass Application Form.
You must have valid Public Liability Insurance schedule when applying online. If you have previously provided evidence 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 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:

The finale will start at 17:00hrs and will be a massed band advancing playing “The Battle’s O’er”.
Bands should start preparing at 16:40hrs
All bands and Drum Majors should be in place no later than 16:45hrs to ensure that the Massed Band Finale commences promptly.
Nominated lead bands are Cleland Memorial, Kirkistown, Drumlough, and Gransha and will be informed by email in advance.

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.
There is also a large selection of eateries within the town centre which is 8mins walk down South Street from the contest venue.

Barbeques:

Fixed and disposable barbeques are not permitted within Regent House Playing Fields or within Regent House school campus.

Toilet Facilities:

Portaloos will be available at the event and will be detailed on the map within the programme.
Please show respect to 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 contest area and band practice/tuning area.
Bands are responsible for clearing any practice space they occupy at the end of the event.

Dogs:

No dogs except for Assistance dogs are allowed at this event.

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:

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.

Visit Ards & North Down:

For things to see and do around the Ards and North Down borough area click here

–
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:
Medley (5-7 mins)

Grade 2:
MSR (Submit 2 – own choice)

Grade 3a:
Medley (3-5 mins)

Grade 3b:
Medley (3-5 mins)

Grade 4a:
March, Strathspey and Reel.

Grade 4b:
March Selection.

Closing date for entries: Monday 30th June 2025
Draw
Band Draw is available here
2025-Ards-Bands-Draw
.
Drum Major Draw is available here
2025-Ards-DM-Draw
.
Results
Results summaries will be available here after the contest ends

Ulster Pipe Band Championships 2025
2025-08-02 10:00 - 18:00 | West Strand, Eglinton St, Portrush, BT56 8DY
Attending the 72nd Ulster Championships
Venue: West Strand Bay, Portrush
[click here for location map]
Admission & Parking
Event Admission: Free

General Parking:

Parking is available at various town centre car parks – charges/restrictions may apply.

Accessible Parking:

Limited car parking for Blue Badge holders was available to be pre-booked w/c 21 July – however, full capacity has been reached with all available spaces now allocated. Please use alternative parking around the town centre.
A reminder that you will only gain entry to the accessible parking area if you present a unique accessible parking pass together with a valid blue badge. This blue badge must be for an occupant of the vehicle on the day.
Entry will be denied if you do not present both pass and blue badge.

Band Coach Parking:

Band Coaches must only park at designated coach parking zone.
Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form.
Passes will be issued on Friday 1 August before 7pm.

Motorhomes:

No overnight parking is available at West Strand Bay. Daily motorhome parking is available close to the venue – please see Sandhill Drive Motorhome Park | Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council for information.

Band Guidance
Band Gazebos:

Gazebos must only be erected within the designated band tuning/practice areas
Parking for gazebo transport is limited to 1 vehicle per band
Please pre-book gazebo parking using Parking Pass Application Form.
Passes will be issued on Friday 1 August before 7pm.
You must have valid Public Liability Insurance schedule when applying online. If you have previously provided evidence 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 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:

The finale will be a massed band, advancing playing “The Battle’s O’er”.
Bands should start preparing at the conclusion of Grade 1 competition and all bands and Drum Majors must be in place no later than 17:25hrs to ensure that the Massed Band Finale commences promptly.
Nominated lead bands are: Closkelt, Irvine Memorial, Gransha, McDonald Memorial and Joseph Forde Memorial and will be informed by email in advance.

Parade:

At the conclusion of the Finale and prizegiving, a parade along the Promenade will commence at 6.15pm.
The parade will start at the event area at West Strand Bay, parading along to South Pier and up to the grass area adjacent to Kerr Street.
Pipe Majors please note, the Promenade narrows for a short distance and Bands will have to go 3-abreast through this area.

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. There is also a large selection of eateries within the Town centre.

Barbeques:

Fixed and disposable barbeques are not permitted at this event.

Toilet Facilities:

Toilets and Portaloos will be available at the event and will be detailed on the map within the programme.
Please show respect to 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 contest area and band practice/tuning area. Bands are responsible for clearing any practice space they occupy at the end of the event.

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:

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.

Visit Causeway Coasts & Glens

For things to see and do around Portrush and the wider borough area click here

–
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:
‘Small’ MSR (Maximum 4-parted tunes) + Medley (5-7 mins)

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 14th July 2025
Draw
Band Draw is available here
2025-Ulsters-Bands-Draw
.
Drum Major Draw is available here
2025-Ulsters-DM-Draw
.
Results
Results summaries will be available here after the contest ends

Heart O' Down Pipe Band Championships 2025
2025-08-09 10:00 - 18:00 | Donard Park, Donard Park, Newcastle, BT33 0WR
Attending the Heart o’ Down Championships 2025
This event is kindly supported by Newry, Mourne & Down District Council.
Traffic in and around Newcastle town centre and Donard Park can be very congested at times and as this is a popular Championships we expect it to be very busy. Please leave plenty of time for your journey and adhere to all instructions/guidance from Event Officials, Security-Traffic Personnel and Police.
Dundrum Village Festival is also taking place on Saturday 9 August with parts of Main Street closed. Diversions around Dundrum village will be in place but this may cause some delays, again please leave plenty of time for your journey.

Admission & Parking

Admission: Free
General Parking:

Parking is available at Donard Park car park and the hillside area (as per previous years). This is on a first come, first serve basis and is not pre-bookable.
Please park considerately and legally. Any vehicles parked wrongly or illegally will be asked to move by Police.
If parking capacity is reached at Donard Park and the hillside area, you will need to seek alternative parking around the town centre car parks where charges/restrictions may apply.
The hillside area will be closed at 7pm – it is your responsibility to ensure you have vacated this area before closing or your vehicle may be locked in.
There is a one way system in operation on the hillside – You must only exit via Shan Slieve Drive.

Accessible Parking

Limited car parking for Blue Badge holders is available to be pre-booked from 24 July using Parking Pass Application Form – when full capacity is reached you will have to use general parking.
A reminder that you will only gain entry to the accessible parking area if you present both a unique accessible parking pass together with a valid blue badge. This blue badge must be for an occupant of the vehicle on the day.
Entry to this area will be denied if you do not present both pass and blue badge.
Passes will be issued at least 24hrs before the event.
There is a vehicle height restriction to this area of the carpark.

Band Coach parking

Band Coaches must only park at designated area.
Please pre-book using Parking Pass Application Form.
Passes will be issued at least 24hrs before the event.

Motorhome Parking:

Unfortunately, no overnight parking is available in Donard Park.
General public parking for motorhomes will be available on the day at the bottom of the hillside.
Overnight accommodation information is available here.

Band Guidance

Band Gazebos:

Gazebos must only be erected within the designated band tuning/practice areas.
Parking for gazebo transport is limited to 1 vehicle per band and you must pre-book gazebo parking using Parking Pass Application Form.
Passes will be issued at least 24hrs before the event.
You must have valid Public Liability Insurance schedule when applying online. If you have previously provided evidence 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 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:

The finale will be a massed band, advancing playing “The Battle’s O’er”.
Bands should start preparing at the conclusion of Grade 1 competition and all bands and Drum Majors must be in place no later than 16:45 to ensure that the Massed Band Finale commences promptly.
Nominated lead bands are: Ravara, Moneygore, Hollymount, Altnaveigh Memorial, Upper Crossgare and Down Academy and will be informed by email in advance.
All bands should follow direction from Stewards and Senior Drum Major Charlotte Ruddock.
As per local competition rules: Failure to attend the finale at the given time shall result in a fine, the amount of which to be determined annually by the Executive Committee. All competing bands must take part in the grand finale, unless permission to be excused has been granted by the Contest Secretary.

Parade:

At the conclusion of the Finale and prizegiving, there will be a short parade for bands, drum majors and trophy carriers. This will commence from Donard Car Park Main Entrance at approximately 6pm and will progress on to Bryansford Road against the traffic, left on to Central Promenade and then onto Beach Footpath and concluding at Donard Car Park Rear Entrance
Drum Majors must ensure safety when flourishing. Flourishing including throws should only be carried out when there is adequate space and the conditions allow.
The Branch does not accept any liability and bands must have their own relevant public liability insurance to cover themselves.
All bands and Drum Majors, and other participants must take direction and instructions from Parade Marshals and Branch Officials at all times .

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. There is also a large selection of eateries within the Town centre.

Barbeques:

Fixed and disposable barbeques are not permitted at this event.

Toilet Facilities:

Portaloos will be available at the event and will be detailed on the map within the programme.
Please show respect to 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 contest area and band practice/tuning area.
Bands are responsible for clearing any practice space they occupy at the end of the event.

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 do not interfere with band and Drum Major 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:

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.

Visit Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion:

For things to see and do around Newcastle click here.

–

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:
‘Small’ MSR (Maximum 4-parted tunes) + Medley (5-7 mins)

Grade 2:
MSR (Submit 2) & Medley (4-6 mins)

Grade 3a:
MSR & Medley (3-5 mins)

Grade 3b:
MSR & Medley (3-5 mins)

Grade 4a:
March, Strathspey and Reel.

Grade 4b:
March Selection.

Closing date for entries: Monday 21st July 2025
Draw
Band Draw is available here
2025-Newcastle-Bands-Draw
.
Drum Major Draw is available here
2025-Newcastle-DM-Draw
.
Results
Results summaries will be available here after the contest ends

UK Solo Drumming Championships 2025
2025-09-06 11:00 - 17:00
RSPBA UK Solo Snare Drumming Championships 2025
The RPSBA United Kingdom Solo Drumming hosted by RSPBA Northern Ireland Branch will take place on Saturday 6th September – venue tbc.In addition to the Adult Grade, where competitors play for the Bobby Rea cup and one of six coveted semi-final spots in the upcoming World Solo Drumming championships, there will be 5 Juvenile grades – in line with the grades at the World Solo Drumming
Playing Requirements

JUVENILESECTION
CRITERIA
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS

1
Aged under 14 years on the 1st November 2024 and registered with a Band Graded; Novice Juvenile or Grade 4.
8 Parts of Quick March tempo in 2/4 time signature, tunes from the RSPBA Approved List

2
Aged 14 years and over and under 18 years on the 1st November 2024 and registered with a Band Graded; Novice Juvenile or Grade 4.
8 Parts of Quick March tempo in 2/4 time signature, tunes from the RSPBA Approved List

3
Aged under 14 years on the 1st November 2024 and registered with a Band Graded; Novice Juvenile, Grade 4, Juvenile, Grade 3, Grade 2 or Grade 1.
March, Strathspey and Reel, to be played without stopping in between tunes. Minimum of FOUR parts each tune.

4
Aged 14 years and over and under 16 years on the 1st November 2024 and registered with a Band Graded; Novice Juvenile, Grade 4, Juvenile, Grade 3, Grade 2 or Grade 1.
March, Strathspey and Reel, to be played without stopping in between tunes. Minimum of FOUR parts each tune.

5
Aged 16 years and over and under 18 years on the 1st November 2024 and registered with a Band Graded; Novice Juvenile, Grade 4, Juvenile, Grade 3, Grade 2 or Grade 1.
March, Strathspey and Reel, to be played without stopping in between tunes. Minimum of FOUR parts each tune.

For further details on playing requirements click here.
Adult Snare

Open to those Aged 18 years or over on the 1st November 2024 and registered with a Band Graded; Grade 4, Grade 3, Grade 2 or Grade 1.
Each competitor must Submit two March, Strathspey and Reel sets, each tune minimum of four parts.
In the MSR, each tune is to have minimum of four parts, and the set is to be played without stopping in between tunes.
Set to play will be drawn “on the line” by the responsible Director.

Rules

Contest run under RSPBA rules.
All competitors must be registered members of an RSPBA Pipe Band or Overseas Pipe Band Association that is affiliated to the RSPBA.
All competitors must wear band uniform.
Contests to be adjudicated by RSPBA approved drumming adjudicators.
SIX places for the World Solo Drumming Semi-Final event will be awarded at this qualifying event
The highest placed players who have not already pre-qualified for the 2025 Adult World Solo Drumming Championship shall be granted a semi-final place.
Entry fee for this event is £10 (Adult grade) and £5 (Juvenile grades), which is non-refundable.
Closing Date – Wednesday 27th August 2025
No late entries will be accepted.
Further entry fee payable for World Solo Drumming Event 2025.
Draw is available here
Entries via branch website (below)
Results available here after the event has completed

All Ireland and JAC Piping & Drumming Solo Championships 2025
2025-09-20 10:00 - 17:00 | Lusk National School, Lusk, Dublin, K45CX43, Ireland
All Ireland Syllabus is available here
JAC Syllabus is available here
Draw
Download
2025-All-Ireland-JAC-Solos_order-of-play_1
Piping Entry Form
Drumming Entry Form

RSPBANI75 - Gala Dinner
2026-02-21 18:30 - 2026-02-22 01:00 | La Mon Hotel and Country Club, 41 Gransha Rd,, Comber, Newtownards, Co Down, BT23 5RF, United Kingdom
🎟️Tickets now on sale!
🗓️21st February
🕰️ 6:30pm
📍La Mon Hotel & Country Club
As part of our RSPBANI75 celebrations, we are hosting a Formal Gala Dinner to celebrate the proud history of the organisation we’ve built together, the partnerships formed, the music, the community and the progress driven by our bandspeople.
This event will be a formal black-tie dinner, with dancing and live entertainment.
We will also be running a charity raffle on the evening with some fantastic prizes up for grabs! Proceeds will go to Pipe Band College Northern Ireland to support our future pipers, drummers and Drum Majors!
Let’s come together to honour the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.
🎟️ Book your tickets here
Event Information

Ticket price:
£60.00 per person – discounted to £55.00 per person when booking 10 or more tickets.
Tables seat:
10 people max
Drinks reception on arrival with three-courses.
-Starter: Cream of Vegetable Soup
-Main: Supreme of Co. Down Chicken with savoury stuffing, honey & thyme sauce, and seasonal vegetables.
-Dessert: Raspberry & White Chocolate Cheesecake
-Tea and Coffee
Special Dietary requirements can be specified when booking tickets
Live Music
from The Merchants live six-piece band.
Charity Raffle
in aid of the Pipe Band College Northern Ireland, supporting tomorrow’s pipers, drummers and Drum Majors!
Special Room Rate Available
Special Event rates available include full use of the Country Club during stay.
– Single B&B £145
– Double/Twin B&B £165
Guests should contact La Mon Hotel directly on tel. 028 9044 8631 and quote ‘RSPBANI75 21.02.26

For any general queries relating to this event, please email rspbani75@rspbani.org or contact the office daily on tel. 0752 636 6396.
