The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch

Mid Ulster Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships 2026
2026-06-06 11:00 - 18:00 UTC | Cookstown High School, Coolnafranky Demesne, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, BT80 8PQ
Admission & Carparking
Event Admission

£5.00 per car
Card, Contactless & Cash accepted

General Parking

Parking is available on site – please adhere to all instructions from event staff at the entrance gate.

Accessible Parking

Provision for a limited amount of accessible car parking for Blue Badge holders is available.
Please pre-book this by using the Parking Pass Application Form 🔗Click Here
When full capacity for this area has been reached, the application system will close and you will have to use general parking.
A reminder that you will only gain entry to the accessible parking zone if you present the 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 zone will be denied if you do not present both parking pass & blue badge

Band Coach Parking

Band coaches must only park at the designated coach parking zone
Please pre-book this by using the Parking Pass Application Form 🔗Click Here
Passes will be issues 48hrs before the event

Motorhomes

Motorhomes are permitted but must park in the designated Motorhome parking zone
Overnight parking is not available on site

Information for Bands
Band Gazebos

Gazebos must only be erected within the designated area (on the hill)
Gazebos must not be erected on the football pitches where the arenas are located
You may only erect a band gazebo at this event if you have applied for a Season2026 Gazebo Permit
If you still need to apply, please see 🔗Gazebo Application Form
If you have already applied for a Season2026 Gazebo Permit for this event, and your band is entered, a gazebo parking pass will be emailed out to you 48hrs before the event
You must provide evidence of Public Liability Insurance schedule when applying for your permit online
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 practising/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, Branch Stewards or Section Representatives regarding this and this must complied with

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 16:00hrs to ensure that the Massed Band Finale commences promptly.
Nominated lead bands 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.

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/Section officials on duty.

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 only are welcome at this event.
Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding Information can be found here

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.

Tourist Information

For things to see and do around the area and the wider Mid Ulster area, please see 🔗 Visit Mid Ulster

Syllabus
Syllabus is available here.
This event is organised by the Mid Ulster Section. If you have any queries, please e-mail midulster@rspbani.org.
Band Draw
Band Draw is available here.
Click on the document to view the controls.
RSPBANI-Mid-Ulster-2026_Band_Draw_v4
Drum Major Draw
Drum Major Dress time is 10:00
Drum Major Draw is available here.
Click on the document to view the controls.
RSPBANI-Mid-Ulster-2026_DM_Draw
Playing Requirements

Grade 1
‘Big’ MSR (Minimum 4-parted tunes)

Grade 2
Medley (4 to 6 mins)

Grades 3B & 3A
MSR

Grade 4A
1 x 4 parted Marches or 2 x 2 parted Marches,
1 x 4 Parted Strathspey or 2 x 2 parted Strathspeys and
1 x 4 Parted Reel or 2 x 2 Parted Reels

from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes

Grade 4B
4 x 2 parted Marches from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes OR
2½ – 4½ mins in Quick March (any time signature)

Results
Results will be published after the finale on the main 2026 results page.

Lisburn & Castlereagh Championships 2026
2026-06-20 11:00 - 18:00 | Moira Demesne, 110 Main St, Moira, Craigavon, Moira, BT67 0DS, United Kingdom
Syllabus
This event run under RSPBANI Local Rules. If you have any queries, please e-mail secretary@rspbani.org.
Band Draw
Band Draw is available here.
Click on the document to view the controls.
RSPBANI-Moira-2026_Band-Draw_v3
Drum Major Draw
Drum Major Dress time is 10:30
Drum Major Draw is available here.
Click on the document to view the controls.
RSPBANI-Moira-2026_DM-Draw
Admission & Carparking
Event Admission

£5.00 per car / £10.00 per motorhome / £25.00 per coach
Card, Contactless & Cash accepted

General Parking

Parking is available on site – please adhere to all instructions from event staff at the entrance gate.

Accessible Parking

Provision for 60 accessible car parking for Blue Badge holders is available.
Please pre-book this by using the Parking Pass Application Form Click Here
When full capacity for this area has been reached, the application system will close and you will have to use general parking.
A reminder that you will only gain entry to the accessible parking zone if you present the 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 zone will be denied if you do not present both parking pass & blue badge
Passes will be issued at least 48hrs before the event.

Band Coach Parking

Band coaches must only park at the designated coach parking zone
Please pre-book this by using the Parking Pass Application Form Click Here
Passes will be issued at least 48hrs before the event

Motorhome Parking

Day motorhome parking is available in the designated Motorhome parking zone
Please pre-book this by using the Parking Pass Application Form Click Here
Overnight parking is not available at Moira Demesne

Information for Bands
Band Gazebos

Gazebos must only be erected within the designated practice area
Gazebos must not be erected on the main event site as this can interfere with arenas.
You may only erect a band gazebo at this event if you have applied for a Season2026 Gazebo Permit
If you still need to apply, please see 🔗Gazebo Application Form
If you have already applied for a Season2026 Gazebo Permit for this event, and your band is entered, a gazebo parking pass will be emailed out to you 48hrs before the event
You must provide evidence of Public Liability Insurance schedule when applying for your permit online
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 practising/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. Your band practising must not interfere with the final tuning areas.
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, Stewards and Branch Officials regarding this and this must complied with

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 15:55hrs to ensure that the Massed Band Finale commences promptly.
Nominated lead bands 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

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/Section officials on duty

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 Council facility and normal bylaws apply
At band practice/tuning areas, all bands are responsible for clearing any practice space they occupy. This will be monitored at the conclusion of the event by Branch Officials

Dogs

Assistance dogs are welcome at this event
Well-behaved dogs are also welcome but must be kept on a short lead
Dogs must be able to cope with large crowds and noise
Ensure any dogs barking are taken away immediately so as not to interfere with band performances
Owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the appropriate bins.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding Information can be found 🔗 here

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.

Tourist Information

For things to see and do around the area and the wider Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area, please see 🔗 Visit Lisburn & Castlereagh

General Queries

please email contests@rspbani.org

Playing Requirements

Grade 1
Medley (5 to 7 mins) [Submit 2 – own choice]

Grade 2
MSR [Submit 2 – own choice]

Grades 3B & 3A
Medley (3 to 5 mins)

Grade 4A
1 x 4 parted Marches or 2 x 2 parted Marches,
1 x 4 Parted Strathspey or 2 x 2 parted Strathspeys and
1 x 4 Parted Reel or 2 x 2 Parted Reels

from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes

Grade 4B
4 x 2 parted Marches from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes OR
2½ – 4½ mins in Quick March (any time signature)

Results
Results will be published after the finale on the main 2026 results page.

All Ireland Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships 2026
2026-07-04 11:00 - 18:00 | St Catherine’s Park, Lucan, Dublin, Ireland
Syllabus
This event run under Joint Association Council (JAC) Rules. If you have any queries, please e-mail secretary@rspbani.org
Syllabus is available here
Band Entries
You can submit entries for the All Ireland Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry, please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Drum Major Entries
Submit entries for the All Ireland Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry, please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Playing Requirements

Grade 1
‘Small’ MSR (Maximum 4-parted tunes) & Medley (5-7 Minutes) [Submit 2]

Grade 2
Medley (4 to 6 mins)

Grades 3B & 3A
MSR

Grade 4A
1 x 4 parted Marches or 2 x 2 parted Marches,
1 x 4 Parted Strathspey or 2 x 2 parted Strathspeys and
1 x 4 Parted Reel or 2 x 2 Parted Reels

from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes

Grade 4B
4 x 2 parted Marches from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes OR
2½ – 4½ mins in Quick March (any time signature)

Results
Results will be published after the finale on the main 2026 results page.

Antrim & Newtownabbey Championships 2026
2026-07-18 11:00 - 18:00 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Rd, BT41 4LH
Syllabus
This event run under RSPBANI Local Rules. If you have any queries, please e-mail secretary@rspbani.org.
Band Entries
You can submit entries for all 2026 Branch and Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests, play up, or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Drum Major Entries
Submit entries for all 2026 Branch & Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Playing Requirements

Grade 1
‘Small’ MSR (Maximum 4-parted tunes)

Grade 2
Medley (4 to 6 mins)

Grades 3B & 3A
MSR

Grade 4A
1 x 4 parted Marches or 2 x 2 parted Marches,
1 x 4 Parted Strathspey or 2 x 2 parted Strathspeys and
1 x 4 Parted Reel or 2 x 2 Parted Reels

from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes

Grade 4B
4 x 2 parted Marches from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes OR
2½ – 4½ mins in Quick March (any time signature)

Results
Results will be published after the finale on the main 2026 results page.

73rd Ulster Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships
2026-08-01 11:00 - 18:00 | Ward Park, Bangor, 4-10 Gransha Road, Bangor, BT204TG, United Kingdom
Syllabus
This event run under RSPBANI Local Rules. If you have any queries, please e-mail secretary@rspbani.org.
Band Entries
You can submit entries for all 2026 Branch and Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests, play up, or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Drum Major Entries
Submit entries for all 2026 Branch & Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Playing Requirements

Grade 1
‘Big’ MSR (Minimum 4-parted tunes)
& Medley (5 to 7 mins) [Submit 2 – own choice]

Grade 2
MSR [Submit 2 – own choice]

Grades 3B & 3A
Medley (3 to 5 mins)

Grade 4A
1 x 4 parted Marches or 2 x 2 parted Marches,
1 x 4 Parted Strathspey or 2 x 2 parted Strathspeys and
1 x 4 Parted Reel or 2 x 2 Parted Reels

from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes

Grade 4B
4 x 2 parted Marches from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes OR
2½ – 4½ mins in Quick March (any time signature)

Results
Results will be published after the finale on the main 2026 results page.

Craigavon & District Championships 2026
2026-08-08 11:00 - 18:00 | Lurgan Park, Avenue Road,, Lurgan, BT66 7BD, United Kingdom
Syllabus
This event run under RSPBANI Local Rules. If you have any queries, please e-mail secretary@rspbani.org.
Band Entries
You can submit entries for all 2026 Branch and Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests, play up, or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Drum Major Entries
Submit entries for all 2026 Branch & Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Playing Requirements

Grade 1
‘Small’ MSR (Maximum 4-parted tunes)
& Medley (5 to 7 mins) [Submit 2 – own choice]

Grade 2
MSR [Submit 2 – own choice]
& Medley (4 to 6 mins)

Grades 3B & 3A
MSR
& Medley (3 to 5 mins)

Grade 4A
1 x 4 parted Marches or 2 x 2 parted Marches,
1 x 4 Parted Strathspey or 2 x 2 parted Strathspeys and
1 x 4 Parted Reel or 2 x 2 Parted Reels

from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes

Grade 4B
4 x 2 parted Marches from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes OR
2½ – 4½ mins in Quick March (any time signature)

Results
Results will be published after the finale on the main 2026 results page.

Champion of Champions Pipe Band & Drum Major Championships
2026-08-22 11:00 - 18:00 | Co. Tyrone
Syllabus
This event run under RSPBANI Local Rules. If you have any queries, please e-mail secretary@rspbani.org.
Band Entries
You can submit entries for all 2026 Branch and Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests, play up, or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Drum Major Entries
Submit entries for all 2026 Branch & Section contests using this form.
If you wish to amend an entry (e.g. add additional contests or withdraw), please contact contests@rspbani.org.
Playing Requirements

Grade 1
Medley (5 to 7 mins) [Submit 2 – own choice]

Grade 2
Medley (4 to 6 mins)

Grades 3B & 3A
Medley (3 to 5 mins)

Grade 4A
1 x 4 parted Marches or 2 x 2 parted Marches,
1 x 4 Parted Strathspey or 2 x 2 parted Strathspeys and
1 x 4 Parted Reel or 2 x 2 Parted Reels

from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes

Grade 4B
4 x 2 parted Marches from the RSPBA list of prescribed tunes OR
2½ – 4½ mins in Quick March (any time signature)

Results
Results will be published after the finale on the main 2026 results page.
