Tartan Talk: Final acts added to Kids with Cancer Charity Concert line-up
For some weeks there has been rumours as to who would be the final guest artistes to appear at the ninth annual Kids with Cancer Charity Concert in the Royal Hotel Cookstown on Saturday, March 28.
During the week, organiser Gary Smyth announced that this year’s sporting guest will be none other than Liam Beckett MBE, who will be appearing for a Q&A session to chat about his life and stories regarding his close connection with the Dunlop racing family and Irish League football.
I have had the pleasure of hearing Liam at a function a few years back and he was very interesting and extremely humorous.
The other big news is that a tribute band featuring former members of the Pipes and Drums of the RUC will also be appearing. I understand have been practising for some weeks.
The Pipes and Drums of the RUC was formed in the late 1970s after at least one attempt to get a band going earlier in the decade. Right from the word go the band was performing well in Grade 3, which is the level they entered at.
Under the leadership of Pipe Major Nat Russell, the band would rise to Grade 1 in the early 1980s and on two occasions they finished in the top six at the Worlds and lifted numerous prizes at other RSPBA Major Championships, especially in 2000 when their drum corps were declared World Champions.
Tribute bands have proved extremely popular in recent times, especially at this event, and I have no doubt this combination will be the same.
The organising committee are grateful to Stena Sealink for their sponsorship regarding travel costs from and return to Scotland for the Police Scotland Fife Pipe Band.
Stena have once again been brilliant with regard to this event, and they offer their thanks to Danielle Goudy for her continued work behind the scenes regarding this.
A massive thank you is also due to Ali Jackson for his continued support to the concert with his sizeable financial donation.
Tickets are priced at £20 each and can be purchased either by cash, PayPal or Band Transfer. Contact Gary Smyth on Facebook or text 07814446179, PayPal to [email protected].
Pipers & Drummers sought for Belfast St Patrick’s Day Massed Band
Belfast TradFest is inviting pipers and drummers to take part in a massed band performance as part of the Belfast St Patrick’s Music Festival on Sunday 15th March from noon til 2pm.
Whether you’re joining as an individual player or as part of a full band, this is a unique chance to come together and celebrate Belfast’s rich piping and drumming traditions in the city centre.
The celebration will be led by Pipe Major Grahame Harris, with Campbell College Pipe Band, Clonoe Independent Pipe Band and Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band.
The performance will take place on the lawn of Belfast City Hall and finish with a parade to Royal Avenue.
McNeillstown Pipe Band fundraising Big Breakfast
McNeillstown Pipe Band are holding a fundraising Big Breakfast next Saturday (February 28) as part of their 80th anniversary celebrations.
It will be held in Portglenone Presbyterian Church Hall from 9am to 11.30am.
Altnaveigh 80 - A Night of Variety Celebrating 80 Years!
Many pipe bands are celebrating significant milestones in this and coming years and one of those is the Altnaveigh Memorial Pipe Band, who are marking their 80 years with a special evening of music, entertainment and celebration.
It will be held on Saturday, March 21 in the Canal Court Hotel, Newry at 7.30pm.
This year’s concert is themed: “Striking a blow against Cancer – the common enemy.”
All proceeds will go to Cancer Research, Macmillan Nurses and Marie Curie.
The band are encouraging everyone to come together for a fantastic night while supporting three incredible charities that mean so much to so many families.
Tickets priced £15 (and £10 for children) can be purchased by ringing 077533 75584 or emailing [email protected].
Kildoag Pipe Band seeking pipers for Grade 4B band
Kildoag Pipe Band are looking to expand their Grade 4B piping team for the season ahead.
Experienced or learning – everyone is welcome to join them in a friendly and supportive setting.
Send them a message on Facebook or contact Davy on 07759366255.
Moneygore Pipe Band 80th Anniversary Concert
Next Saturday (February 28), Moneygore Pipe Band will be presenting a concert in Rathfriland Young Farmers’ Hall commencing at 7.30pm (Doors open at 7pm).
Acts include Kilkeel Silver, Pride of Ballinran Flute and others.
Refreshments will be served at the interval.
Tickets priced £15 (adults) and £5 (children’s) are available from band members or by contacting the band through their Facebook page.