The European Pipe Band Championships were held at Inverness on the 25th June where the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band was triumphant in the Grade 2 competition. This was a major achievement following on from previous successes this year with second places at the British and UK championships. The drum corps also finished in first place at both of these events.
The band is lead by Pipe Major Jamie Smith and Leading drummer David Sheridan. The band was absolutely elated with the result. Pipe major Jamie Smith in only his first year in charge, said, “It was the best weekend of my life”. He also added, “What the band has done this season so far is incredible and I put that down to the hard work and commitment of all the members of the band”.
Annan has a strong tradition of pipe bands over many years and the Royal Burgh of Annan Pipe Band was formed in 2004. Since its formation, the band has competed on the countries major competition circuit travelling the length and breadth of Scotland and the UK.
The competition season normally runs between May and August. However the band start practicing for that season in September of the previous year. Over the years there has been a mix of both local members and players from further afield. Currently the band has players travelling from as far as Glasgow, Stranraer, Newcastle and even from Holland and Belgium.
After successful years winning the World Championship in both Grade 3B and Grade 3A, the band was promoted to play in Grade 2 in 2019. During this first season the band performed well, picking up prizes from 4 out of the 5 major competitions. Like everything else, due to the Covid pandemic over the past 2 years, band practises and competitions were put on hold so no one really knew how 2022 would turn out.
The band is now looking forward to the remainder of the season. The next contest is right on the door step as part of the Annan Riding of the Marches festivities. After that there are still a few more competitions to play later in July and throughout August. These include the Scottish and World Championships at which the band will hope to continue with similar success.
