Annual outdoor Pipe Band Championships, supported by Mid Ulster District Council; new indoor Piping Quartet Contest expands performance opportunities.

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch Mid Ulster Section with the support of Mid Ulster District Council is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Mid Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships. This event will again be held in the excellent and familiar grounds of Cookstown High School, just minutes from the town centre and will take place on Saturday 6 June from 10am.

Following last year’s temporary relocation to the top pitches, the Championships will return to their original area of the school campus, with essential maintenance on the lower pitches now fully completed. Ample parking will be available throughout the main school grounds, and a shuttle bus service will operate all day to assist visitors travelling up and down the hill between car parks and the contest arena.

Accessible Parking for those with a blue badge will be available for booking in advance through the Branch website at 🔗www.rspbani.org/event/midulster26, where all event information will be updated regularly. 

Whilst the Mid Ulster Section strives to keep events free and accessible to all, a small parking charge of £5 per vehicle will apply for those parking within the school grounds. Cash, card, and contactless payments will be accepted at the entrance gate. All proceeds directly support the running of the event, and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors throughout the day.

A full selection of food and drink vendors will be available on site.

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton said: “The Council is proud to support the Mid Ulster Pipe Band and Drum Major Championships once again. This event highlights not only the spectacle and atmosphere, but the dedication, discipline, and commitment of every piper and drummer, whose hard work makes the competition so special. It is also a testament to the hard work that the Mid Ulster section carries out to put on such a wonderful display for our enjoyment. This event is of great value to Cookstown, boosting the local visitor economy while welcoming competitors from near and far. I wish everyone taking part the very best of luck and a successful day.”

New for 2026: Mid Ulster Piping Quartet Contest tomorrow May 9, 2026

The Mid Ulster Section is also pleased to introduce a new addition to this season’s programme with the Mid Ulster Piping Quartet Contest offering a distinctive indoor platform focused solely on piping excellence.

The venue is Cookstown Primary School, adjacent to Cookstown High School with a start time of 11am.

In line with the Section’s commitment to supporting new ideas and expanding opportunities for performance and enjoyment, this inaugural quartet contest will showcase piping in its most refined and intimate form.

This contest will feature quartets comprising four pipers performing together on a single stage, providing audiences with a concentrated and highly musical listening experience. Bands could submit more than one quartet, with Pipe Majors permitted to participate in multiple quartets.

The Mid Ulster Section is pleased to see that 15 quartet groups have entered, playing across 32 performances in a graded programme, and looks forward to welcoming competitors and supporters to this new and exciting event, which aims to further enrich the piping landscape within the district and across Northern Ireland.

To support the running of this new indoor event there is an admission of £5 for all spectators. Cash, card, and contactless payments will be accepted at the door. (All competitors will be admitted free of charge).

Mid Ulster Section Chairperson, Mr Trevor Wilson said:

“The Mid Ulster Section works tirelessly each year to deliver our annual outdoor Championship on the first Saturday in June, and it remains a highlight for bands, drum majors, supporters and the wider community. Hearing the sound of the pipes and drums filling the air and seeing the drum majors marching and flourishing is always a tremendous spectacle, one that showcases the wealth of talent from across our district, Northern Ireland and further afield.

This year, we are also pleased to introduce a new Piping Quartet Contest, which provides an additional performance opportunity and further enriches the musical landscape in Mid Ulster. Supporting new ideas while maintaining our strong traditions is central to the work of our Section, and we are delighted to expand our offering in 2026.

We are again indebted to Mid Ulster District Council for their continued support of the outdoor Championships, and I extend my warmest appreciation to Gwyneth Evans, Principal of Cookstown High School, and her staff for facilitating the event on the school grounds. I extend my appreciation to Andy Young, Principal of Cookstown Primary School for use of his school for the indoor quartets. My sincere thanks also go to our Section team and all our volunteers — without their dedication, none of this would be possible. I look forward to welcoming everyone to both events and, as always, we hope for two great days, and of course, great weather for the outdoor Championships.”