Local pipe bands take home British titles

Tullylagan Pipe Band and Ballybriest Pipe band won their respective grades in the British Pipe Band Championship Grade at Annan at the weekend.

Tullylagan Pipe Band took home silverware after winning the Grade 4A category, along with Ballybriest Pipe band who topped the Grade 3B category.

The Mid-Ulster bands will both now go onto perform in the European championships, set to be held in Belfast at the end of the month, and the world championships, which will be held in Glasgow in August.

Welcoming the news, UUP councillor Trevor Wilson said: “I would like to extend my congratulations to both bands on this terrific achievement.

“All the hard work put in over the winter months has certainly paid off dividends and I wish them well in the world championships.”

DUP Mid Ulster MLA Ian McCrea also congratulated the local bands on their success.

He said: “I am delighted to hear that two Mid Ulster bands have returned home with silverware after competing in the British Pipe Band Championship last Saturday; Tullylagan Pipe Band who won Grade 4A and Ballybriest Pipe band who topped Grade 3B.

“This is indeed a great success for both bands and I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of all members of the bands who gave a winning performance,” he said.

“I want to wish both Tullylagan and Ballybriest every success for the future and trust there will be many more titles coming their way.”