Today is International Women's Day, an annual global celebration of women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. As a band, we would not be where we are today without the devotion and huge efforts of all of the young girls and women that are a vital part of BPB (members and non-members alike). If you've ever considered joining the band, get in contact; we'd love to hear from you.

Merry Christmas to all our followers & a very Happy New Year! See you in 2024 💚❤️🖤

Remembrance Sunday parade in Ballygowan 💚♥️🖤

Remembrance Sunday parade in Ballygowan 💚♥️🖤

Come visit us at practice in Ballygowan Orange Hall... there's a cup of tea & a wee bun with your name on it! 😄

Look forward to seeing you there! For all the details please check out our previous post 💚♥️🖤

Ever wondered what happens at band practice? Ever fancied having a go at blowing a set of pipes? Ever just wanted to have a chat with us about band? Come along to our Open Practice evening on Thursday 16th November from 8pm in Ballygowan Orange Hall & you can find out for yourself! Alongside practice (& you can have a go with the instruments if you're feeling lucky!!), we'll be showing images of the band from years ago to the present day & light refreshments will be available for all (including free cupcakes from our sponsor Spotty Dotty Cupcakes.) Everyone will be made very welcome & we'd especially love to see any past members call in! 💚♥️🖤

The remainder of our Tattoo performance, playing Here is Love & Killaloe. 🎶 Special memories made over those fantastic few days at the Tattoo.If you'd like to join us, do please get in touch for details of learners classes.

Now you've met the members here's your invitation to join us! If you're interested in learning, we are happy to teach you. Please get in touch via the page & we will provide you with more information. Especially pipers...we'd like more 😆

And last but very much not least, an interview with our president, Davy. Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Davy How many years have you been in the band? 49yrs What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? I’ve always loved the Irish Pipes, and I remember hearing them from across the Foyle when I was younger. Previous band/experience? I previously played the drums (self taught) before coming to Ballygowan Pipe Band Favourite memory since joining the band? Too many to name as I just love everything about Ballygowan Pipe Band What instrument do you play? I no longer play an instrument however I am the president of the band. I used to play the snare drum before moving onto the pipes. I would love to still be playing with the band. Favourite tune? Silver threads What’s parade do you forward to the most? I really looked forward to the ABOD “Derry Day” parade when we did it What has been your most memorable parade? I cannot pick my most memorable parade as they all meant so much to me. As mentioned, I wish I could still play in the band today. In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Teamwork and tradition. What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Do it! They are all first class and you’re more than welcome anytime.

The last of the ladies tonight...this was a wee late entry hence the Tattoo mention. She'll not mind me saying but she's always late 😆🤣... Meet the Members 2023: Name/Nickname: Carolyn or Ca How many years have you been in the band? 20ish years (I think!) What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? My sister first encouraged me to join as a tenor drummer but I have since followed in my Dad's footsteps and joined the pipe corps in 2015. Previous band/experience? Does the recorder count? 😆 Fond memories of me trying to recite "I saw Three ships come sailing in" for my Dad as a child and him taking the recorder off me every time to play "the Thee"! Favourite memory since joining the band?Becoming one of the first female pipers in the history of the band and since seeing lots more ladies/girls learn 💪 Also, I can't not note the band's recent appearance at the Belfast International Tattoo. An experience I will never forget and an honour to walk out there front row with two of my nieces by my side. What instrument do you play? I play the bagpipes now but have previously played the tenor and snare drums. Favourite tune? My favourite that we play is The Barren Rocks. Overall my favourite tune on the bagpipes is The Black Bear What parade do you look forward to the most? Scarva or the last Saturday What has been your most memorable parade? Playing Scarva for the first time was a high point and also seeing my daughter's first parade in Saintfield at the mini twelfth...just so happened to be televised too thanks to our fabulous bass drummer Brianna In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Family, tradition, good craic What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Come along to a lesson and don't let fear hold you back. Yes, it takes hard work and dedication but other than that there is no specific skill set required and the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Also, bring your sense of humour 😆

John's turn tonight! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: John Quee, outside band circles Jackie. How many years have you been in the band? 23yrs What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? Sam Kerr Previous band/experience? Played from 1964 in the Grey Hackle PB, and from 1973 The Ulster PB, both Belfast based Brian boru bands. Favourite memory since joining the band? Scarva 2018 What instrument do you play? Bagpipes Favourite tune? Silver threads What’s parade do you forward to the most? Black day What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Encouragement and working together What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? You won’t regret it

Lead tenor drummer, Georgia's interview! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Georgia/George How many years have you been in the band? 13 What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? My twin sister was already in the band so I wanted to join too Previous band/experience? N/A Favourite memory since joining the band? The Last Saturday parade in Newtownards when someone from the crowd joined in with us pretending to play the pipes with a chair What instrument do you play? Tenor Drum (Pipe Student) Favourite tune? Barren Rocks What parade do you look forward to the most? Scarva (If we do it again) What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva 2019 In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Family What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Do it!

Naomi's turn tonight! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Naomi How many years have you been in the band? 33 years 🫣 What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? I have been brought up with the band. My granda/dad/uncles/brother/cousins have all been members. I couldn't wait to join. Previous band/experience? None. Favourite memory since joining the band? 6 years ago watching my son walk in his 1st parade & then 4 years later watching my daughter in her 1st parade 😍 What instrument do you play? Snare Drum, but I initially joined as a Drum Major, then moved onto the Tenor Drum. Favourite tune? Killaloe & Here is Love What parade do you look forward to the most? 12th Day. 🇬🇧I have also really enjoyed the few times we have paraded in Scarva, the atmosphere was amazing (however Scarva is also my favourite parade to stand on the roadside & watch with family). What has been your most memorable parade? My first parade with the band 33 years ago. It was in Ballygowan. In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Ballygowan Pipe Band is part of me. I don't know life without it & what makes it more special is the family connection in the past & watching my son & daughter carry it on. What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? New members are always welcome so please contact us.

Colin aka Nick's turn tonight (this interview was a later submission as you'll note the Tattoo features...which would likely now be the most memorable moment for us all!) Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Colin/Nick How many years have you been in the band? 25 What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? My dad was in the band and he wouldn’t let me join Ravara pipe band. Previous band/experience? I have played highland bagpipes in a couple of bands while also in ballygowan (unfortunately not Ravara!). Favourite memory since joining the band? Playing at the opening night of the Belfast international tattoo at the SSE arena. What instrument do you play? Bagpipes and in the past tenor and side drums. Favourite tune? Killaloe What parade do you look forward to the most? 12th of July . What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva 2018 In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Good craic & friendship. And being a part of the Ulster-Scots tradition. What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Give it a try , you’re not too young or too old to give it a go!

Tonight's interview features Melanie, our longest serving female member (that doesn't make her old btw...she was a mere child when she joined 😂😆) Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Melanie/Mel How many years have you been in the band? 35 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? I was asked to join by the late Wilmer Garrett, bass drummer at the time. The band was exclusively male in membership & I think it may have taken a little gentle persuasion 😬 on Wilmer's part to persuade a reluctant PM to let me join. I became the first female drummer in BPB. Previous band/experience? I am homegrown in BPB! Started on the tenor drum. Favourite memory since joining the band? There are so many memories...a very special one was parading Scarva for the first time. A funny one when a previous bass drummer clattered a traffic island cone mid parade 🤭. And I can't not mention being witness to Sammy's first McDonald's after the Portaferry Gala parade...the joy on his face was something else! What instrument do you play? Snare drum Favourite tune? The Barren Rocks of Aden What parade do you look forward to the most? Black Saturday What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva without a doubt In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? It means family & friendship & people who will have your back no matter what. It means keeping alive the Brian Boru tradition for future generations to continue on the heritage of generations past. What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Just do it ... you're never too old, too unteachable or too busy. We may be small in number but we are mighty in enthusiasm... we'd love to welcome new members. You just need to be a bit thran 🤣

Our youngest member, Ava's interview tonight...ice-cream featuring again...it's clearly a parade highlight! 😆🤣 Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Ava How many years have you been in the band? 2 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? I wanted to learn how to play an instrument Previous band/experience? None Favourite memory since joining the band? Getting Ice cream on the 12th What instrument do you play? Tenor Drum Favourite tune? Killaloe What parade do you look forward to the most? Last Saturday in August parade What has been your most memorable parade? Last Saturday in August 2023 In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? It’s enjoyable and I have fun laughing with Freya. What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? You should join it because it’s really fun!

Tonight we feature tenor drummer, Rachel! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Rachel How many years have you been in the band? 4 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? The curiosity of how on earth you flourish a tenor drum stick 😂 Previous band/experience? None Favourite memory since joining the band? My first time parading What instrument do you play? Tenor drum Favourite tune? Killaloe What parade do you look forward to the most? 12th July every year What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva 2019 In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Fun, family, entertaining What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Go for it!

Back to our interviews after last night's Tattoo vlog & tonight's is from our Lead Drummer, James! 💚♥️🖤 Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: James How many years have you been in the band? 11 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? I love the sound of the pipes and even more so the sound of the Brian Boru Pipes. Previous band/experience? 15+ years in flute bands playing the flute, snare drum and even the triangle Favourite memory since joining the band? The first time parading down the lane at Scarva - The atmosphere is electric and it makes every hair stands on end! What instrument do you play? Snare Drum Favourite tune? Nearer my god to thee or Highland Cathedral (the year we played it) What parade do you look forward to the most? Last Saturday in August parade What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva 2019 In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Family, friendship and tradition What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Do it! There are so many positives to joining a band and there are no better bunch of halfwits than those in Ballygowan Pipe Band.

As promised....part 2 of the vlog featuring our @belfastinternationaltattoo experience! 💚♥️🖤

Tonight's interview is with our wee superstar, Drum Major Willow-Rose! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Willow-Rose/ WR How many years have you been in the band? 5years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? My granda Previous band/experience? None Favourite memory since joining the band? Competing at competitions What instrument do you play? Drum major/mace Favourite tune? Barren rocks What parade do you look forward to the most? 12th and Scarva What has been your most memorable parade? parading in the world championships In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Everyone looks after each other and are very supportive to me. What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? It’s the best

Tonight we feature Tamzin, our newest piper. She doesn't hang about...took her only 5 months between picking up the practice chanter & piping at her first parade! 😲 Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Tamzin/Tamz/T How many years have you been in the band? 15 What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? Being an enthusiastic 5yr old with an enthusiastic Granda. Previous band/experience? N/A Favourite memory since joining the band? first parade on pipes 🎉 + Sandy driving a full minibus through the McDonalds drive through. What instrument do you play? Pipes Favourite tune? Barren Rocks + Teribus What parade do you look forward to the most? Getting to do Scarva again at some point hopefully What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva 2019 What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? ✨If you name your instrument it plays better ✨.

Sammy's up tonight! Meet the Members 2023 Name/nickname: Sammy How many years have you been in the band? Not telling but he joined when he was 19!! What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? Sam Kerr Previous band/experience? Played the recorder at school What instrument do you play? Pipes Favourite tune? Silver threads What parade do you look forward to the most? Remembrance Day (last outing of the year 😆) What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva 2018 In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? 2 nights out every week! What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Come ahead

Tonight's interview features Zac (& his hungry stomach 😆) Meet the Members 2023: Name/Nickname: Zac How many years have you been in the band? 6 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? My mum was in it & I wanted to join too. Previous band/experience? None Favourite memory since joining the band? What instrument do you play? Tenor Drum Favourite tune? Killaloe What parade do you look forward to the most? Five Mile Town (because of the chicken) What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Killaloe, Ice Cream & £10 per parade :) What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? It's fun.

Sticking with the pipers, Freya is our youngest piper, starting classes when she was 8yrs old & on the road piping at the ripe old age of 9! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Freya/Freybo How many years have you been in the band? 10 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? Filling in for Tamz on the tenor drum at a parade. Previous band/experience? N/A Favourite memory since joining the band? When Sandy's chanter fell out on parade and started rolling down the hill. What instrument do you play? Pipes Favourite tune? Barren Rocks What parade do you look forward to the most? Scarva (whenever we get to do it) What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva 2019 In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Having fun with Barry and Larry 🤝🥳 What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Buckle up 🚍🚌

Thank you all for the wonderfully supportive comments, messages & positive feedback we have received over the past few days. We are truly humbled by the response to our Belfast International Tattoo performances & feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to take part & to promote the Brian Borus. It was an amazing experience for us all! 💚♥️🖤 Resuming our Meet the Member series tonight with the boss man, Colin 😉 Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Scottie How many years have you been in the band? 56+ What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? Following in father's footsteps Previous band/experience? None Favourite memory since joining the band? First Scarva parade 2019 What instrument do you play? Bagpipes Favourite tune? I stand amazed in the presence What parade do you look forward to the most? Scarva What has been your most memorable parade? Parading Londonderry at the Apprentice Boys parade In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? It gives me great pride playing in the band with my children, grandchildren and family What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Just do it!😜

We're back again & raring to go! Here we are making our entrance last night to the Belfast International Tattoo ...what a crowd! Thanks to Tracey for the video & everyone for the wonderful support, especially family & friends & the Lily Of The Valley Accordion Band crew in last night 💚♥️🖤

It's Showtime!!! Waiting nervously behind the scenes in our dressing room 😬 (get us, we've gone all showbiz 🤣)

Sam's turn tonight! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Sam How many years have you been in the band? 2 What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? I love the sound of the pipes and drums! Previous band/experience? MSPD drumming lessons in primary school Down Academy drumming lessons in high school Favourite memory since joining the band? Meeting new people What instrument do you play? Tenor drum (Snare Drum student) Favourite tune? Killaloe What parade do you look forward to the most? Black Saturday or 12th What has been your most memorable parade? Saintfield mini 12th because it was my first parade In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Fun, friendships , memories What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Go for it you won’t regret it!!

One of the kids interviews tonight...with Ellyn! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Ellyn How many years have you been in the band? 2 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? My mum Previous band/experience? None Favourite memory since joining the band? Getting food in the field 12th Day & Black Day What instrument do you play? Tenor Drum Favourite tune? Killaloe What parade do you look forward to the most? The short ones. What has been your most memorable parade? My first parade What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? You should join.

Moving onto a piper tonight, here's Sandy's interview! Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Sandy, sometimes Big Sandy (6’5”) How many years have you been in the band? 50 years. What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? Colin Scott (BB together) Previous band/experience? Always Ballygowan, but previous PM taught Burren (Ballynahinch) Brian Boru band and we also played with them Favourite memory since joining the band? Scarva parade. What instrument do you play? Bagpipes, previously played tenor drum and sometimes bass drum Favourite tune? Silver threads, hymns When the Roll and I stand amazed. What parade do you look forward to the most? Black day and Scarva if we go What has been your most memorable parade? Scarva day In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? Good crack. What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Join us and enjoy

We decided this summer to interview the whole band family as part of a 'Meet The Members' initiative, to give our followers an insight into our membership & hopefully encourage others to join us. We will be publishing these over the coming weeks & start tonight with Brianna, no better woman! 💚♥️🖤 Meet the Members 2023 Name/Nickname: Brianna How many years have you been in the band? 8 years What made you join Ballygowan Pipe Band? I had always gone to watch the parades and thought how class it would be to take part and play! Ballygowan Pipe is my local band so i went along to their learners classes and stayed ever since! Previous band/experience? Never in a previous band, but would occasionally have a rattle on the lambeg drum! Favourite memory since joining the band? Being called “the girl with with big drum” rather than Brianna! What instrument do you play? The bass drum Favourite tune? It’s hard to pick one favourite tune out of so many, but I’d say my favourite is When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder What parade do you look forward to the most? My favourite would be Scarva( whenever we are asked to play) it’s a great family day out! What has been your most memorable parade? Cavanaleck Pipe band annual parade. We had just arrived in Fivemiletown and I realised i had forgot my sticks! thankfully another bass drummer sorted me out! In a few words describe what Ballygowan Pipe Band means to you? A band of great camaraderie, there’s always good craic! What would you say to anyone thinking of joining the band? Definitely do it! you won’t regret it!

Black Saturday in 2.5mins 😆. Created by some of our younger (more tech savvy 😉) members...we hope you enjoy! Part 2 will follow next week featuring our Belfast International Tattoo experience!

En route to the field with the sun shining..fantastic atmosphere in Market Square 💚♥️🖤

Return parade in Dromore on Saturday past.

Georgia and Tamzin with the newest recruit… #bpb #bpbni #ballygowan #codown #pipeband #brianborupipeband #rugbyidol #womeninsport #womeninrugby #lastsaturdaydromore #dromore #pipebandlife #twins #pipebandtwins

In the Assembly Field in Dromore...watch this space for something exciting coming soon featuring our brilliant bass drummer, Brianna 🎬 #bpb #bpbni #ballygowan #codown #northernireland #lastsaturdaydromore #pipesand drums #pipeband #pipebandlife #brianborupipeband #bassdrummer

Check out our new website! #bpb #bpbni #ballygowan #codown #northernireland #pipeband #pipebandlife #newwebsite #brianboru #brianborupipeband #brianborupipesanddrums

We are looking forward to parading with RBP 1023 tomorrow in Dromore & are hoping the rain stays away! We hope to see many of you along the route or in Ballygowan morning or evening. 👏🏻 Don't forget that if we're playing Killaloe to give us a wee cheer 💚♥️🖤 #bpb #ballygowan #codown #northernireland #pipeband #pipebandlife #pipebandstagram #pipebandsofinstagram #pipesanddrums