The piping scene in Northern Ireland is looking forward to a short festival of events this summer.
The Northern Ireland branch of the RSPBA has confirmed dates and venues for three events:
- August 7 in Antrim – Pipe bands, Drum Majors and Highland dancers.
- August 21 in Cookstown – Solo piping and drumming competitions.
- September 4 in Bangor – Pipe bands, Drum Majors and Highland dancers.
It is still to be decided whether these will be held indoors or outdoors. The branch said in a statement: “We are very much still in the planning stages in terms of what will happen at each event.
“We will publish more information when we have it. However, we wanted to make bands and soloists aware of the dates so that they now have something to work towards.”
Logan Tannock, President of the Scottish Pipers’ Association (SPA) wishes to remind pipers that entries for the organisation’s Professional Competition close next Friday (June 4).
• Click here for full information and online entry form.
The judging panel will be announced shortly. The results will be announced on Sunday, June 27.
Piping members of the Tartan Army will not be allowed to take their pipes to Euro 2021 football [soccer] games.
Governing body, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has cited concerns over COVID-19 transmission via aerosol as the reason. The organisation’s guidelines state no device that makes a sound will be allowed in any of the 11 host stadiums – including Hampden Park, Scotland’s national football stadium.
Scotland supporters’ representatives had held a meeting with UEFA asking for dispensation but this was rejected. There is also a ban on large flags.
A 25% capacity crowd is being allowed throughout the duration of the tournament, which commences on June 11 and runs for exactly one month. Despite on-going COVID-19 restrictions in Glasgow, the Scottish Government will allow 12,000 fans inside Hampden Park.
