I surmised in my November bulletin that there remained the potential for a UK Championships in Northern Ireland, particularly with the 2026 All-Ireland Fleadh coming to Belfast from the 2nd – 9th August.
My thinking was based on the fact that a significant amount of funding would be going toward that event, and that with Ulster Scots events were becoming more prevalent within the Irish folk scene for example at the Belfast TradFest.
I had heard a rumour that some discussions might be taking place, and as it turned out the RSPBA was in talks with the Ulster-Scots Agency, and with the assistance from Belfast City Council they are promoting United Kingdom Pipe Band Championships at the Grove Playing Fields on Saturday, 13 June 2026.
Ulster-Scots Agency Chief Executive, Ian Crozier said: ‘Pipe bands and the rich traditions associated with them are an incredibly important part of Ulster-Scots culture. Our partnership to deliver the championships is receiving significant financial support from Belfast City Council as part of their ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting Ulster-Scots in the city.’
Grove Playing Fields (known locally as ‘The Grove’) is a 20-acre public park situated in the north of the city, within easy reach of Belfast city centre and a short drive from the Port of Belfast and George Best Belfast City Airport. It has been recognised as one of the UK’s best open spaces, receiving prestigious green flag awards in 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.
Further details and arrangements will be announced in due course. I know that there have been some reservations expressed regarding parking at this venue, however I would anticipate that the organising team will have appropriate plans in place.
New Bands: A few months ago, I was able to report on some bands forming development bands to compete in Grade 4B as a means of bringing on their many young players. I understand that at least one new band, Causeway Coast & Glens, is expected to debut this coming season. They anticipate using players from non-competing bands in the area and were out playing in Ballymena over Christmas.
Kildoag have indicated that they have a 4B band now in place. It appears that Clogher will not be competing, however quite a few of their players were members of the Ballybriest band and they are expected to compete, the grade to be decided.
Down Academy, who play in 4B have a second band in place waiting to be graded to at least 4A or higher. Dromara & District, which was formed just over two years ago, have indicated that they intend to compete. Cleland Memorial from Bangor are expected to field a 4B band.
Brian Harvey, former NI Branch Chief Steward, passed away on the 3rd of December 2025. Brian had been involved in the NI Branch for many years and held the Chief Steward role from 1997 until his retirement in 2024 when he and his wife Betty, also a long-time volunteer, were made Life Ambassadors. The role of Chief Steward could be challenging at times, however it was one that Brian embraced with a mixture of firmness and humour and he was well loved and respected throughout the organisation.
Ardmore Cup solos are on February 21st in the Round Tower Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford. Organiser Eric Stein also runs the SunBelt Invitational in Orlando, Florida, for which this competition acts as a qualifier. Former winners Connor Sinclair and Finlay Johnston will be competing, while Reece Doherty, James Frazer and Alen Tully will be the Irish representatives. Tickets are €10 and there will be a range of related competitions including junior events.
Causeway Coast & Glens Piping Society held their final outing of 2025 on December 12th in the Old School House, St Patrick’s Church, Ballymoney. It was a musical night with a difference with smallpipes, fiddles, carols and Christmas jumpers. Videos on their Facebook page.
Ashley McMichael was the guest piper at the final 2025 Blackthorn Pipers Society meeting held on December 17th in the Ulster Scots Community Building. Ashley put on a great performance as you would expect from one of Ireland’s leading soloists. Also playing were Graeme Harris, Ben Greeves, Alan Glenholmes, Alan Taggart, Ben Cardy, Harry Bell Hamilton, Shaun Townsley and a number of young pipers. Former RSPBA Adjudicator Harry Stevenson was back at the Blackthorn and in great form enjoying some quality piping. Videos on the Blackthorn Facebook page.
Kids with Cancer Charity concert for 2026 is in the Royal Hotel, Cookstown, on Saturday 28th March. Headlining are Police Scotland Fife – the first time this band will have performed a concert in Northern Ireland. Led by P/M David Wilton and L/D Mick O’Neill, they have been consistently in the Grade 1 prize lists in recent years and they are working hard on a special programme for the night. The concert always features a stellar line-up of drummers and this year it will include Henry Turkington (Down Academy), Matthew Brownlee (Syerla), William Glenholmes, Jamie Coffey (Field Marshal), tenor drummer Lucy Semple (Hollymount), plus world champion drum majors Jamie Cupples, Lydia Todd and Ben Dickson. Tickets £20; text 07814446179, or PayPal to kidswithcancer2020@outlook.com.
- If you have any news from the NI piping and pipe band scene you’d like to pass on to Gilbert, please email him here.
