Annan Riding of the Marches Pipe-Band Contest already attracts in excess of 25 bands annually from across the Country and the contest is expected to get bigger and better in the coming years.
Following the afternoon contest the day culminates in the impressive sight and sound of mass pipes and drums marching on Annan High Street.
Annan Riding of the Marches is recognised as being one of the best displays of pipes and drums in Scotland with the closing ceremony attracting in excess of 5,000 people.
Annan Riding of the Marches Pipe-band Championship is a unique experience, something that many pipers and drummers have enjoyed playing for many years (see comments and report below).
The competition will take place on the 1st Saturday 2023, in July at Annan Academy Playing Fields, from 2pm.
An exhilarating display of Massed Pipes and Drums
Prize Money
Best Novice Juvenile Band £100
Grade 4B 1st £300. 2nd £180. 3rd £150 4th £110.
Grade 4A 1st £300. 2nd £180. 3rd £150 4th £110.
Grade 3 1st £500. 2nd £275. 3rd £225. 4th £200.
Grade 2 1st£750. 2nd £300. 3rd £230. 4th £210.
Drum Majors contest is the Annandale distillery championship with the prize money of £335.
Through a voting process the A, D & G Branch championship was secured for the second year in a row. And the prize money for that is £375.
Total prize money for the day £4,980
“Annan was my first ever pipe band contest and never ceases to be special to me. Keep it going, your one of the best!”
Kevin Reilly,-Chairman The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association
“Hospitality second to none”
Jimmy Wilson, Pipe Major Girvan Pipe Band (attended Annan Pipe Band Contest for over 50 years)
The Band’s Eye View
by Ex Pipe Major- Neil Hodgson
The first Saturday in July at Annan Riding is usually a good contest, a warm sunny day and brilliant prize money.
The pipe band secretary has sent off the entry forms and booked a coach. We are likely to be playing pretty well by then and able to give those Annan bands a run for their money.
The week leading up to the contest sees us practicing really hard, pulling out all the stops to maintain an excellent sound and get full cohesion between pipers and drummers for a competent competition unit.
The day finally arrives and we leave by coach early in the morning and arrive in Annan by mid- morning. This town has a great feel with buntings fluttering in the warm breeze and people everywhere getting ready for the lunch time parade.
Bandsmen’s wives, children and supporters take off to see the parade, while the band pick a good spot on the field for practicing. One of the stewards comes round to give us 5 minutes notice and then it’s time. Up to the line the adrenalin is pumping, hope nobody bottles it! A good performance by all, it’s in the lap of the Gods now.
Time for refreshments and reflection on how good or bad the performance really was. We’ll know soon as massed pipe bands time looms. Hospitality in Annan is first class, pipe bands are made welcome everywhere.
We are all formed up ready in massed pipe bands. There’s something special, magical even about the atmosphere on the main street now and when we start playing, the hairs on the back of your neck rise. The massive crowd cheer you all the way down the High Street and make you feel really proud to be taking part.
Prize giving is underway, we’ve won 1st prize! The crowds cheer us on as we play back up the high street led by our trophies. The Annan Pipes and Brass Bands are playing in the distance as we leave to go back home, elated, proud, happy and financially sound.
What a day, What a town. Haste Ye Back,
You Bet We Will!
