The RSPBA have issued a statement regarding the 2025 UK Pipe Band Championships. It comes two days after Piping Press highlighted the concerns being felt in Northern Ireland over the choice of date, July 12th, writes the Editor.
The statement is from Chief Executive Colin Mulhern and reads: ‘Dear Members, Competitors, and Supporters, We wish to address the concerns raised regarding the scheduling of the [UK] Pipe Band Championship on the 12th July, 2025, at The Royal Highland Centre in Ingliston.
‘We deeply value the input and feedback from our community, and we understand that the chosen date has caused disappointment for some. The selection of this date was not made lightly.
‘After thorough exploration of available options, it became clear that the 12th of July was the only feasible date for hosting the Championship at this venue in 2025. This decision was driven by logistical considerations, venue availability, and our commitment to maintaining the high standards expected at an RSPBA event.
‘We are pleased to share that plans for the 2026 Championship are already underway, and a revision to the date will be detailed later this year.
‘We believe this adjustment will better align with the preferences and expectations of our community, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure the continued success of these Championships.
‘Your passion and dedication are the foundation of the pipe band tradition, and we remain committed to fostering an environment where that tradition can thrive. We thank you for your continued support and patience, and we look forward to welcoming you to an exceptional event in 2025 and beyond.’
All credit to Mr Mulhern and the Association for their transparency. They have listened; the date will be moved.
They have shown respect for the traditions and responsibilities of bands affected by the July 12th decision. These were perfectly outlined by our Northern Ireland correspondent Gilbert Cromie earlier this week.
More broadly, by responding publicly to concerns and valid criticism the RSPBA displays a mature approach to its public relations. They have shown they are big enough to accept mistakes, or comments they might not always agree with, and answer them quickly, positively, publicly. This is how you engender support and goodwill.
Too often in the recent past valid criticism has been ignored, or at least that has been the perception. Discuss behind closed doors, but say nothing in public.
That was never good enough and played right into the hands of the conspiracy theorists and naysayers. I hope today’s statement, welcome in and of itself, portends a healthier, more open attitude by the RSPBA when dealing with the pipe band fraternity.
We are all with the Association. We know the difficult job they do.
When we heard and read about the 12th July, this was surely no surprise. It’s ridiculous. Since 1977 about two years before I took part in my first competition in Dungannon, I learned to finally not be shocked anymore. I don’t believe anyone in the organisation. Look at the running of the Association. We are human and we all make mistakes, but is it any wonder there are not as many competing bands as there used to be, especially in Northern Ireland? I played in All Irelands Grade 1 when there were 8, possibly 9, bands. How many now? We had 21 to 22 Grade 4 bands, 18 to 22 in Grade 3 and maybe 17 in Grade 2. Allowing people to sell pipe band accessories and judge that has also put a dent in competitions.
I’m not sure I share your positivity in relation to 2025.
The date will be moved, but it won’t be moved until 2026.
So it’s a year lost for the UK champs in Northern Ireland, and the number of bands at Ingliston from Ireland will be tiny
It’s difficult to spin that as a success