Euro Championships in Banbridge

Banbridge District Council hosts the European Pipe Band Championships at the local Rugby Club grounds on Saturday June 25.  Banbridge District boasts a long tradition of celebrating pipe band music and has hosted the Co Down Championships for almost 40 years.

                                             The European Pipe Band Championships 2005 will involve more than 120 bands from mainland Britain, Europe and Ireland competing to achieve the highest accolades at this international music event. The day will include a wide selection of family entertainment with live music and dance, craft exhibitors, food fairs, children's entertainment and much more. 
   In the run-up to the main event a programme of entertainment will be taking place in the local area, including musical concerts, It's a Knock-out competition and family fun.

  The main competition will involve over 120 bands with representation from mainly England, Scotland, Ireland - North and South including:
England - University of Luton.
Scotland - Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Strathclyde Fire Brigade and Craigmount High School.
Ireland - St Laurence O'Toole, Field Marshal Montgomery, St Finbars (Cork), Banbridge Junior.

  The organisers are delighted to have competitors from as far afield as New Zealand Police Pipe Band and Antwerp Pipe Band, Belgium also taking part in the event. Adding to the colour of the day, will be the Highland Dancing competition.

  Performances will also be made by youth sections including the 'Young Drums', from Rathfriland, and the 'Trim the Velvet' Irish dance.

  For further information, contact Sandra Parker, Arts And Events Officer, Banbridge District Council on 028 4066 0605.