City set for 'piping hot' competition
LISBURN will echo to the sound of pipes and drums this weekend as the city hosts the 64th annual All-Ireland Pipe Band Championship and Festival.
Visitors to Lisburn city centre will get a taste of things to come today as Ravara Pipe Band will perform in Bow Street between noon and 2pm.
Fresh from taking second place in Grade Two at last weekend's British Championship at Banbridge, Ravara, under the leadership of Pipe Major Sam Connolly and Drum Sergeant Aaron McCarten, will be looking to carry their good form into Saturday's competition.
The main event takes place at the Lisburn Leisureplex when pipe bands and drum majors from across Ireland will be vying for the title of all-Ireland champion. The event will also feature a highland dancing competition. The contest gets under way at 11am on Saturday and admission is free.
In addition to the contest, the NI branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association are giving young people interested in piping or drumming the chance to find out what it's all about.
Workshops in piping, snare drumming and tenor drumming will take place from noon and complete beginners will be encouraged to have a go.
The workshop is free of charge and a chanter and drum pad contest will follow for all interested players.
Speaking ahead of the competition, George Ussher, chairman of the RSPBA (NI Branch) said: "The organisation is continuing to build on last year's festival success and we are very pleased to hold the All-Ireland Pipe Band Championship in the city of Lisburn.
"Our special thanks go out to the council staff and the Ulster-Scots Agency for supporting this event."
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 13 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
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