SFU and FMM to create dream double-bill concert August 6th

With a total of 12 World Pipe Band Championships between them, a double-bill concert of Simon Fraser University and Field Marshal Montgomery would be considered just a pipe dream to many, but the concept will become a reality on August 6, 2010, when both bands share the Waterfront Hall’s stage in Belfast.

 

The concert is being planned by the Northern Ireland Branch of the RSPBA as part of the new PipeUP! Festival planned in Northern Ireland, which spans the July 31st European Pipe Band Championships at Stormont, Northern Ireland, and the August 7th Ulster Pipe Band Championships in Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

 

The festival is being organized as a joint project between Belfast City Council and the RSPBA’s Northern Ireland Branch, and, in addition to the SFU-FMM concert will include solo competitions, seminars and other performances.

 

“We would encourage bands from all around the world to attend the Europeans, enjoy the festival and stay on in Northern Ireland for the Ulster Championships,” Northern Ireland Branch chairman and RSPBA president George Ussher said. “This is an excellent opportunity for bands preparing for the World Championships and we are in no doubt that you will find Northern Ireland hospitality second to none.”

 

According to SFU Pipe-Sergeant Jack Lee, his band won’t be able to compete at the European Championships due to time the time commitment involved in a trip longer than three weeks, culminating with the World Pipe Band Championships.

 

“We are really looking forward to our August concert with Field Marshal Montgomery,” Lee said. “While our two bands are competitive at times, we like and respect each other.  It will be great fun and a memorable night for all involved.”

 

In 2008, the city of Belfast lost out to Glasgow on a bid to host the World Pipe Band Championships from 2010 to 2012.