Belfast Tradfest Highland Piping Solo Competition will see a selection of Ireland’s top Pipers competing for a place in the renowned MacCrimmon Trophy Competition 2024 that takes place annually as part of the Interceltique Festival de Lorient. Recent winners of the MacCrimmon Trophy competition include Andrew Carlisle (Ballygowan) and Robert Watt (Maghera).
Each competitor will perform a 6-8 minute Irish-inspired medley, showcasing their unique playing styles. Sit back, relax and take in some of the best Highland Piping to be heard across Ireland.
The winning prize includes return flights from Dublin to Lorient, accommodation and meals.
The line-up includes:
Scott Wallace is a multi-award-winning bagpiper who has a successful solo piping career having won all the major senior titles in Ireland and has been a regular in prize lists in Scotland. He has played as a member of both world championship winning pipe bands, Field Marshal Montgomery & St Laurence O’Toole. Over a 13-year stretch he has won every major title multiple times including 6 world titles. He is a current member of Shotts and Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band.
Reece Doherty is an up-and-coming solo Piper who has had success in local solo competitions and is the current U18 All Ireland champion. Reece’s piping career started at the age of 8 with his late grandfather Billy Doherty. He has competed with Kildoag Pipe Band, Raphoe Pipe Band and Colmcille Pipe Band. Reece currently plays with Manorcunningham Pipe Band from Co. Donegal.
Alastair Donaghy has had a very successful solo piping career, both here in Northern Ireland and over the water in various competitions. He has won the Senior Ulster MSR prize as well as the Senior Ulster Hornpipe and Jig prize. To add to this, he has also won the C grade MSR and Hornpipe and Jig prize at the prestigious Highland Society of London Competition.
Alastair has been a member of the Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band since 2016, and during that time he has won the World Championships 3 times, as well as a host of other major and All-Ireland championship prizes.
Alan Glenholmes from Cullybackey currently competes with Grade 1 Closkelt Pipe Band and has previously played with St Laurence O’Toole and Cullybackey Pipe Band. He has won several prizes in solo competitions across Ireland.
Under 14’s must be accompanied by an adult.
