European Pipe Band Championships 2008

Friday 11 July 2008

LISBURN DRUMS UP COMPETITION

120 Pipe bands and over 50 Drum Majors from across Europe promise a spectacular show and a great family day out for all.

This is the second time that this prestigious event has been hosted by the City of Lisburn; in 2004 20,000 visitors turned up to enjoy the day's festivities and this year promises to be just as exciting.  Mervyn Herron, RSPBA NI Branch says of the forthcoming event:

"We are truly delighted to be hosting the European Championships in the City of Lisburn again.  These championships are held in very high regard throughout the Pipe Band community and we're sure that Lisburn will guarantee an amazing day out for all the family.  We're welcoming somewhere in the region of 4000 competitors on the day, from all across Ireland, Scotland, England and the rest of Europe which will undoubtedly create an exciting and fun force to support current World Champions, Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band who will be competing on the day for the title of European Champions."

The event, organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has established itself as the second largest competition of its kind in the world, second only to the World Championships which will take place in Glasgow in August.

Pipe bands will be judged on piping, drumming and ensemble and the RSPBA are delighted to welcome 18 judges from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scotland as the judging panel for this prestigious event.

Drum Majors will wow the crowds with their spectacular display, and will be judged on variety and difficulty of their movements as well as marching and deportment.  Current European Champions are Kathy Megarry-Calvin, Upper Crossgare, Ryan Ferry, Aughintober and Emma Barr, Ravara.

Additionally, there will be craft stalls, food and drink stalls and a whole host of activities to entertain the young and the young at heart.  From a climbing wall for the slightly more adventurous, to a funfair and highland dancing, the day will be packed full of fun and entertainment.

Mayor of Lisburn, Councillor Ronnie Crawford will be in attendance and is delighted that the city has secured the bid once again to host the event, saying:

"Lisburn is becoming a more vibrant and buzzing city as each day passes and this is reflected in the number of events that take place here each year.  The fact that we have won the European Pipe Bands Championships back to the city for the second time gives us great impressive sights, and hearing the wonderful sounds of the talented bands and drum majors, I'm sure many people from Lisburn and beyond will come along to enjoy the day - they certainly won't be disappointed."

Entrance to the event is FREE and there will be on site car parking charged at £5 per car for the day.

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