The Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships take place on Saturday 12 May 2018 in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park, Bangor commencing at 11.30am.

There is an entry of 41 bands and 46 Drum Majors, with one band travelling over from Scotland and seven bands travelling from the South of Ireland. The grade 1 competition has attracted the top grade 1 bands with Field Marshal Montgomery, St Laurence O’Toole, the Vale of Atholl and the Police Service of Northern Ireland all having submitted entries. There are 3 Adjudicators attending from Scotland and 5 from Northern Ireland, they will no doubt be served up with some of the best piping and drumming.

A Highland Dancing Competition will take place in First Bangor Presbyterian Church Hall which has attracted an entry of 60 which commences at 10.00 am. The Highland Dancing will add to the Scottish Flavour of the day in Bangor.

The Grand Finale will commence at 4.30pm and the Chieftain of the Day, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, the will take the salute from the bands and Drum Majors and present the prizes.

This event is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

For more information, rspbani.org or visitardsandnorthdown.com, or call 028 9127 0069.