The Band was delighted to be asked to play at a local Charity event on Saturday. A community event had been organised at the Hanwood Centre in Tullycarnet in support of Autism Charities. Some of the organisers had attended one of the Band's "gigs" earlier in the year and asked if it would be possible for Gilnahirk to come along and play a few tunes.

The event itself was only a couple of miles from the Band's practice halls at Gilnahirk, so we didn't have to be asked twice.

The current heatwave took care of the weather - and it always seems that bit easier to play in glorious sunshine! Thankfully the members of the Band who had been playing in Loughbrickland over the Twelfth had been liberally applying Aftersun cream ever since, so a fairly full complement of players made it out!

The Band paraded into the venue at the Hanwood Centre, much to the surprise of the local football teams practising on the all-weather pitches! The crowd was appreciative and the atmosphere was friendly and casual, allowing the Band to play a few tunes and then mingle with the spectators before taking up instruments again.

One particularly positive point was the performing début of Piper John, who has been honing his skills on the practice chanter over the last few months. John brought an element of glamour to the ensemble, playing in shorts and T Shirt whilst he awaits his kilt and waistcoat for next year's competition season. It was also great to see his proud parents out supporting the Band.

The Band played a total of three times throughout the late morning and early afternoon before parading away from the venue once again - wakening any residents from a long Saturday lie in!

The atmosphere in the Band is massively upbeat at the moment and we are hoping to bolster the playing membership further over the next few weeks. If you want to be part of Gilnahirk and join the fun, why not drop us an email at join@gilanhirkpipeband.com or just call up to practice this Monday night at 8pm?