Major pipe band championships return to Belfast next month

Major pipe band championships return to Belfast next month The event will see 70 of the top pipe bands battle it out, each fighting for top spot in their grade. 14:47, 29 May 2026 A major pipe band competition will make a welcome return to Belfast next month. ‌ The UK Pipe Band Championships will see 70 of the top pipe bands in the British Isles including 13 times World Champions Field Marshal Montgomery battle it out at the Grove Playing Fields in North Belfast on Saturday, June 13, each fighting for top spot in their grade. ‌ The event has been brought about through a partnership between the Ulster-Scots Agency and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the governing body of world piping, with funding support from Belfast City Council . ‌ Welcoming the event, Belfast Lord Mayor Tracy Kelly said: "I'm a huge fan of pipe bands and love taking part in the Belfast Tartan Day parade and I know that the bands who are coming here from all over the UK and beyond will receive a really warm welcome and hope that they will enjoy everything that our city has to offer." Ulster-Scots Agency Chief Executive Ian Crozier added: "Securing the UK Pipe Band Championships for Belfast provides a great opportunity for our brilliant local bands and drum majors to perform on home soil and for local people to see the very best Ulster-Scots musical talent competing against the top Scottish and Irish bands. ‌ " Belfast is a great location for a major competition like this, with great transport links for bands across the British Isles and we've been able to secure a great venue at Grove Playing Fields which we hope will give everyone a great day out." As well as musical competitions with adult and juvenile bands there will be competitions for drum majors of all ages and a wide range of activities for the whole family, including a mini Highland Games, kids’ workshops, craft stalls, food village and a whole lot more. Tickets are on sale via Eventbrite, priced at £10 for individuals or £25 for a family of two adults and two children. Article continues below For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter here.