The RSPBA is canvassing bands over a change of date for the UK Pipe Band Championships. These are due to be held at Ingliston’s Royal Highland Centre near Edinburgh on July 12.
The date has raised considerable controversy. It clashes with important parades in the Northern Ireland band calendar.
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It also comes during a traditional family holiday period with Scottish and Northern Irish schools closed during July.
The Association has circulated a survey to all bands asking them if they would approve of a change of date to May 3.
This, they say, has come about as a result of a cancellation at Ingliston. However Washington Street HQ will not have been immune to the controversy, nor the fact that several bands are unsure whether or not they will attend on July 12.
World Champions Inveraray are doubtful. Their Pipe Major and Leading Drummer are both engaged to teach in western Canada that week.
I have heard that Ravara and Closkelt may not be attending. Ravara remain a community band despite having players from all over Northern Ireland in their membership. Closkelt have a development band which would undertake 12th of July parades, perhaps requiring the attendance of key personnel from the senior band.
Will Field Marshal manage given their drum corps is Northern Ireland based – that might well be an issue for this band.
Should the Association opt for May 3 – with the bands’ support – I believe it will be the earliest date on which a major championship has ever been held. There would be very little preparation time. Many bands warm up for the majors at minor contests such as Gourock.
Listed this year we have Huntly in Aberdeenshire on April 19th, County Antrim on April 26 and Luton on April 27. Gourock, yet to be confirmed, is on May 11th, as is Banchory.
Again the RSPBA deserve credit for listening to the concerns over the July 12 date. Whether May 3 will be the solution remains to be seen.
