Town park to host pipe band contest

Craigavon Borough Council has secured the right to host the annual pipe band championships in the borough for not only this year but for three years up until and including 2015.

Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Carla Lockhart, said: “This is brilliant news for Craigavon and I’m thrilled that the first annual pipe band championships takes place in our stunning Lurgan Park on June 15. We’re also hoping to rerun the very popular Lurgan Fest that day in the Park - so it will be a fantastic day.”

Mr Herron Branch Secretary of the RSPBANI said: “I’m delighted to be bringing the event back to the borough for three years it makes things more certain for us. Lurgan Park is a beautiful setting with ample parking and other facilities. We hope the local business community will support the event”.

The World Champion adult drum major Paula Braiden is taking part in the adult sections of the championship while the novice section will have up to 25 competitors.

Events get under way on June 15 from 11am with up to 45 pipe bands and 45 drum majors competing in the various contest grades. The fun-filled day with side shows and food market continues all day until the grand finale at approximately 5pm.

After the competition is over the bands will provide a colorful spectacle for spectators by parading onto the arena with the Mayor of Craigavon Borough Council taking the salute. This is followed by the prize giving ceremony.

This event is supported by the Council in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association County Down NI.

“I’m absolutely thrilled,” continued the Mayor, “Craigavon has a tremendous history of pipe bands with superb talent throughout all sections of the community. This is great news for the borough”.