The pipers return to Portrush!
Mon, August 15, 2016
The pipers return to Portrush!
Pictured is Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Maura Hickey with Annette Deighan, Operations Manager at Causeway Chamber of Commerce and Piper Sarah-Jane Bellingham.
One of the biggest days in Portrush is now just days away. The annual North West Pipe Band Championships and Champion of Champions competition, sponsored by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, in association with Causeway Chamber, has been a summer highlight since the 1950s and its popularity shows no sign of weakening.
The event will see a number of performances on both Friday 19th and Saturday 20th August. The main attraction on Saturday will see over fifty pipe bands from Northern Ireland and the border counties competing in all categories at Ramore Head Recreation Grounds. They will be joined by the Drum Majors in competition from 11.00am.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Chieftain for the finals of the Pipe Band Championship in Portrush, Alderman Maura Hickey said, “The Pipe Bands Championships is a wonderful event attracting large numbers of visitors from all over to the north coast each year.
“I highly recommend to anyone who has yet to experience the Pipe Band Championships at Portrush to make this a date in their diary. It is a fun day out for all the family and brings music, colour and culture to the beautiful seaside resort of Portrush. The event is a major attraction, supporting local businesses and making Portrush a hive of activity.
“I would like to thank the organisers in their extremely hard work in co-ordinating the event, as well the competitors and visitors for continuing to support and bring this event to Portrush each year.
The Scottish Highland dancing competition will be held in the town on Friday from 10.00am. The event will feature up to fifty dancers and is followed by the prize giving ceremony. This outdoor event will take place at Kerr Street Green however, if the weather is unsuitable it will be held inside St. Patrick’s Hall on Causeway Street.
The North West Pipe Band Championships is a significant event within Council’s annual calendar of events, designed to support local businesses. This is recognised by the Causeway Chamber of Commerce who co-sponsor the event.
Annette Deighan, Operations Manager with Causeway Chamber of Commerce said, “Causeway Chamber of Commerce with the support of Portrush Businesses is delighted to support RSPBA NI Branch and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in the delivery of the Pipe Band Championships 2016. This is an eagerly awaited event by spectators, visitors, residents and traders.”
Ray Hall, Chairman of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch also commented, "The bandsmen and their supporters from Northern and Southern Ireland really look forward to coming to Portrush as the final event in our season. Portrush has so much to offer from shopping, the beautiful scenery and the warm welcome our piping community receives from the locals."
The competition in Portrush takes place one week after the World Championships in Scotland and provides the opportunity to see many of the Northern Ireland world champion bands showcase their silverware during the town parade after the competition.
For further information on the events throughout the Borough visit www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call 028 7034 4723.
ENDS
