Solo Highland Piping Competition

Solo Highland Piping Competition

Belfast TradFest 2026

The Solo Highland Piping Competition returns to Belfast TradFest for another thrilling evening of world-class piping, bringing together some of Ireland's finest competitive pipers in the intimate surroundings of The Deer's Head.

Featuring champions, rising stars and internationally recognised performers, this prestigious event celebrates the precision, power and artistry of Highland piping at the highest level.

Audiences can expect a captivating programme of Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey and Reel, and Hornpipe and Jig performances, showcasing both technical brilliance and deep musical expression.

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Featured Competitors

Alastair Donaghy

Current Senior Ulster Champion, Alastair Donaghy is one of Ireland's leading competitive pipers. A winner of the prestigious Gordon Duncan Memorial Competition in 2023, he also claimed victory in last year's competition, earning the opportunity to represent Ireland at the MacCrimmon Trophy during the Festival Interceltique de Lorient in France.

A member of the legendary Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band since 2016, Alastair has won numerous major championships, including three World Pipe Band Championships.

Sean Moloney

Originally from County Limerick and now based in County Tyrone, Sean Moloney comes from a traditional Irish music background before focusing his attention on Highland piping. He has performed with Closkelt and St Mary's Derrytrasna Pipe Bands and has competed at the highest levels in both piping and drumming.

James Stone

A primary school teacher from Waterford City, James Stone began learning pipes from his father, John Stone, before continuing his studies with the late Stephen Power and current tutor Ronan Maguire.

Among his many achievements are:

• Senior A All-Ireland Champion (2025)
• Gordon Duncan Memorial Winner (2025)
• Irish Piobaireachd Society Former Winners Champion
• Northern Ireland Piper of the Year Piobaireachd Winner
• St Patrick's Day Competition Winner

James will represent Ireland at the MacCrimmon Trophy during this year's Festival Interceltique de Lorient.

Kris Coyle

From Carrickfergus, Kris Coyle has enjoyed an exceptional competitive career, including:

• Four-time Northern Ireland Piper of the Year
• Two-time Ulster Solo Champion
• Five-time Ulster Hornpipe & Jig Champion
• Inveraray Games B Grade Piobaireachd Champion (2018)
• Multiple Loch Lomond Highland Games Champion

Kris is also a member of Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band.

Reece Doherty

Taught by his late grandfather Billy Doherty, Reece has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in solo piping.

A member of St Laurence O'Toole Pipe Band, Dublin, he has won three consecutive All-Ireland MSR titles and currently holds the C1 Championship title. In 2024 he reached the final of the prestigious Pipe Idol competition at Piping Live! in Glasgow.

Scott Wallace

One of Ireland's most decorated pipers, Scott Wallace has won every major senior solo title in Ireland and has regularly featured among the prize winners in Scotland.

A former member of both Field Marshal Montgomery and St Laurence O'Toole, Scott has accumulated multiple major championships during a remarkable competitive career that includes six World Championship titles.

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A Celebration of Piping Excellence

With fierce competition, extraordinary musicianship and an intimate atmosphere, the Solo Highland Piping Competition remains one of the highlights of the Belfast TradFest programme.

Bringing together established champions and emerging talent, the event showcases the very best of contemporary Highland piping while celebrating the deep connections between Ireland's piping traditions and the international piping community.

An unforgettable evening of world-class Highland piping featuring champions, rising stars and some of the finest performers in the tradition today.