The pipes the pipes are calling out for everyone to come to Portrush on the Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th of August, for this year’s North West Pipe Band Championships hosted by Coleraine Borough Council. The annual event is also co-sponsored by Council and the Causeway Chamber of Commerce, in recognition of the contribution the event provides to the local economy. This great weekend of entertainment in Portrush is always a big success as competitors adore the scenic location and what the town has to offer from a retail, family friendly and outdoor recreational perspective. The North West Pipe Band Championships will once again feature a highland dancing competition with an international field of competitors, and over 50 bands will participate in the Championships on Saturday 24th August from Grade one to Grade 4b standard. A number of bands will also travel from Co Donegal and Letterkenny to take part in the event, and the newly formed Ulster Scots Agency Juvenile pipe band will make it’s debut in the Grade 4b section. The Scottish Highland Dancing competition will take place on Friday 23rd at Portrush Amphitheatre, from 12.30pm. However, should the weather be inclement the event will moved to St Patrick’s Hall Causeway Street. The Pipe Band Championships incorporate the end of year, ‘Champion of Champions’ competition, which starts at 12noon on Saturday 24th at the Recreations Grounds. A nominal entry fee will apply at the gate, with the income being directed back into the event. Deputy Mayor of Coleraine Borough Council, Councillor Mark Fielding seen here with Causeway Chamber representative Annette Deighan, and Laura Abraham, Drum Major, Seven Towers Pipe Band, claims, “It is great to see people like Laura and the youth of today so enthused and dedicated to their culture in this way and I applaud all those in the RSPBA NI Branch for their dedication to the teaching and nurturing of this cultural art form.” Laura, Drum Major with the Grade one band Seven Towers, is looking forward to her visit to Portrush and welcoming Drum Major Jacy Anderson from Los Angeles’ Scots Pipe Band USA who will be arriving in Portrush to compete in this year’s competition. Councillor Fielding also acting as Chieftain for the day went on to say, “This event brings colour and music, attracting international competitors and visitors to the borough. The North West Pipe Band Championships is a significant event in Council’s annual calendar of events, designed to support our local businesses. I highly recommend anyone who has never experienced this mix of music and colour, to come and enjoy this event.” Annette Deighan, Operations Manager with the Causeway Chamber of Commerce stated, “Causeway Chamber of Commerce is once again delighted to support RSPBA NI Branch and Coleraine Borough Council in the delivery of the Pipe Band Championships. This is an eagerly awaited event by spectators, visitors, residents and traders.” As the competition in Portrush takes place just one week after the World Championships held in Scotland, there will be an opportunity to see many of the recently crowned world champion bands from the Northern Ireland branch. These bands will also be showcasing their silverware on their tartan, as they proudly display it during the parade through town at the conclusion of the Championships on Saturday evening. Ray Hall Chairman of the RSPBA NI Branch stated, “Given that the RSPBA NI have such a strong record in bringing home World Champions, this event in Portrush is definitely not one to be missed.” For more information log onto rspbani.org or northcoastni/whats-onor telephone Coleraine Tourist Information Office on 028 7034 4723.
Posted on: Tue, 20 Aug 2013 09:40:19 +0000