Northern Ireland Open International Accordion Championships attracts bumper number of entries from far and wide
An extravaganza of accordion music is promised at the 2026 Northern Ireland Open International Accordion Championships being held on Saturday, March 7.
The Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick is once again playing host to the event, understood to be the largest accordion championships held in the whole of Great Britain and Ireland.
This year’s event has attracted around 170 entries with competitors from as far afield as the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and Germany as well as a strong local entry.
The event caters for all types of accordion music, with Solo, Duet, Group, Orchestral, Marching Band and Drum Majors sections suitable for all ages and grades ranging in styles from classical and continental to traditional.
This year there has, again, been a bumper entry in the Marching Band sections.
Starting at 9.30am and running to 5pm, the daytime activities will culminate with a Massed Band finale and Drum Majors display and competition.
There shall also be a number of trade exhibitors which will add to the interest and atmosphere on the day.
On the Friday night a ‘free and easy’ concert will be held in the Donegore Suite featuring top accordionists Anne-Marie Devine and Sean O’Neill, Oscar Everitt, Barry Smith, Carlo Pesticcio, Nigel and Elaine Black, Gary Arnold and The Knockagh Singers.
On the Saturday night, at the prize presentation, there shall be a 45-minute concert featuring former World Champion Djordje Gajic and some of today’s competitors.
This will be followed by the prize presentation and gala dance.
Daytime admission is free and a warm invitation is extended to all interested.