The pipes, the pipes are calling!
Tue, August 08, 2017
The sound of pipes and drums will soon ring out across Portrush when the town hosts the annual North West Pipe Band Championships and Champion of Champions competition event on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th August.
As a growing summer sensation, the competition in Portrush takes place the week after the World Championships in Scotland, marking the conclusion of the piping season. It will provide an opportunity for pipe bands from Northern Ireland and the border counties to showcase their silverware during the town parade.
The event, organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) Northern Ireland Branch, funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and in association with Causeway Chamber of Commerce will see a number of bands performing over the weekend in a wide range of categories. The main attraction on the Saturday will see participants joined by the Drum Majors in competition from 11.00am at Ramore Head Recreation Grounds.
Live music will commence at 8pm on Saturday evening prior to the skies coming alive at 10pm with a spectacular fireworks display.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird, OBE, commented, “The Pipe Bands Championships are a colourful family fun event promoting music and culture. Every year it grows from strength to strength and attracts huge numbers of visitors to our area, which in turn supports local businesses and promotes our wonderful tourist attractions.”
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to the organisers for co-ordinating such a magnificent event, as well as the competitors and visitors who travel from near and far for their continuing support.”
Murray Bell, Vice President of Causeway Chamber and Chieftain for the finals of the Pipe Band Championship in Portrush commented, “Causeway Chamber of Commerce looks forward to The North West Pipe Band Competition held in Portrush each year. The competition attracts large visitor numbers and has a significant economic benefit in the area. The amazing spectacle of the Pipe Bands is one of the many highlights of the summer season which is eagerly awaited by visitors, residents and traders alike”.
Ray Hall, Chairman of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch also commented, "We are once again delighted to be returning to the Recreation Grounds Ramore Head, Portrush on the 19th of August for the 2017 North West Pipe Band and Champions of Champions competition.
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 Annual Highland Dancing Competition in Portrush will also be held in the town and will host over eighty dancers from Northern Ireland, Scotland and Canada. This year, two International Adjudicators from the USA will judge the main prize for the Adult Premier Highland Winner who will be awarded the "Causeway Tartan Crystal Cup".
This outdoor event will take place in the marquee at Kerr's Street Green, Portrush on Friday 18th August. Registration for competitors begins at 9am, with the dancing commencing at 10am.
For further information on the events throughout the Borough please visit www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call 028 7034 4723.
Pictured is The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, with Annette Deighan, Operations Manager and Murray Bell, Vice President of Causeway Chamber of Commerce along with pipers, Sarah Jane and Robbie Bellingham of the Ballydonaghy Pipe Band, who will compete at this year’s North West Pipe Band Championships and Champion of Champions competition in Portrush.