There are only three bands competing in Grade 1 at the UK Championships to be held at Ingliston near Edinburgh on July 12. They are Johnstone (pictured), Boghall and SLOT.
No one should take any pleasure at this state of affairs. Next year the UKs need to be outwith the holiday period and definitely not on July 12. The first six bands in Grade 2 have been asked to carry out March Past centre bands duty. Check out the draw here.
Piping Live
Recent publicity for the 2025 festival has carried information about an enhanced tented area surrounding the Piping Centre during this year’s event. That should be a real boon especially if the weather is bad. The downside is that I’m told there is to be a £10 charge for entering the canvas – and that is in addition to your ticket for any event within the Centre itself.
SPA AGM
Secretary Melissa Jeffrey: A reminder that this year’s SPA AGM will take place tonight, 6th June, 7pm at NPC McPhater Street. A zoom link will be available on request. All members welcome. Contact Melissa melissajeffrey96@yahoo.co.uk.
Scots Guards KO
The semi-finals and final of the popular Scots Guards Knock-out are on Sunday, June 8th, at the usual venue, the Scots Guards Club in Haymarket, Edinburgh from 1pm.
The first semi-final is at 2pm between Cameron May and Brodie Watson Massey. There then follows the second semi featuring Bobby Allen and Craig Muirhead. The final will be held right after that. Entry is £10 (includes a free pie).
Northern Winter School
Piping places at this year’s school are almost sold out but there are spaces still for side drummers. The tutor is Stephen Creighton the current World Corps champion leading drummer. Stephen is returning to the school after being unable to make it last year.
This is a terrific opportunity for drummers in Germany and elsewhere on mainland Europe to get top class tuition from the maestro. You will not be disappointed. Info here; register here.
Mid Ulsters/ All Irelands
* The Mid Ulster Championships are tomorrow June 7th at Cookstown High School.
* Entries for the 78th All Ireland Championship close on Monday June 9. This major event in the pipe band calendar will be held in Londonderry/ Derry on July 5, 2025, at Ebrington Square.
The paltry entry for the Grade 1 competition at the UK Championships is a highly unsatisfactory situation for this season, and for the pipe band world in general. The RSPBA have been aware for some time of the reduced Grade 1 interest & participation regarding the 12th July, and in my opinion they should have been proactive in considering alternative scenarios, for example having the Grade 1 UK competition held at the recent Dollar Academy event, or moving the Grade 1 event to Cowal at the end of August.
There will be implications for the Champion of Champions award for 2025, as the three bands competing at Ingliston will arguably have an “unfair” advantage when the final tally of seasons points is compiled