Broughshane to host pipe band championships

The picturesque award-winning village of Broughshane in Co Antrim, is preparing for the arrival of Ireland's finest pipers and drummers when it hosts the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) Championships on Saturday June 4.

  This event will be part of a summer festival organised by Broughshane and District Community Association Ltd in partnership with the RSPBA Co Antrim Section and sponsored by the Ulster-Scots Agency.

  Fifty bands are expected to participate and compete for the coveted title under the scrutiny of Scottish judges Jim Baxter (drumming) and Jim Campbell (piping).

Pictured are: (L-R) David Boyd, Seven Towers Pipe Band, Ballymena, Valerie Blake, event co-ordinator, and George Holmes, director of culture, Ulster-Scots Agency.

Valerie Blake, event coordinator, confirms: "This is the second year that Broughshane will host the Championships and we expect 2005 to be another huge success. Visitors can expect to hear the very best in Scottish piping and drumming and the atmosphere is always electric.

  "It will be a day of fun and entertainment for the whole community and the Association is keen to extend a warm welcome to visitors from all over the Province."

  Sandy Wilson, Association chairman, also emphasised the "family feel" to the overall festival: "We have made a special effort to cater for everyone and along with the Championships there will be circus performers, novelty and confectionary stalls, a bouncy-castle, slide, trampoline and quads. Of course, safety is another priority and we are fortunate to have Association volunteers who will marshal the event in co-operation with the Co Antrim Section Committee."

  The festival and championships will take place at Broughshane Community Centre, Knocken Road, Broughshane. Events begin at 9.30am and for further information contact Broughshane & District Community Association Ltd Telephone 028 2586 2777.