Massed pipe bands at Niagara Celtic Festival

Experience exhilarating sights & sounds of pipes & drums

Press Release

The Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival has announced the lineup of pipe bands performing at its 23rd annual event, which will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15 at the Niagara County Fairgrounds in Lockport. A total of eight pipe bands and one brass band, from across the region, will perform ceremonies, individual concerts, and massed bands both days. Join the thousands of people who attend each year, when everyone is “Celtic” for the weekend.

On Saturday, see the Gordon Highlanders Pipes & Drums, 96th Highlanders Pipes & Drums, the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes & Drums, and the Celtic Spirit Pipe Band.

The D Company Gordon Highlanders, were formed in 1837, and are the oldest continuing organization in the City of Buffalo. The 96th Highlanders of Jamestown are proud to represent their region in and around Chautauqua County. The MacKenzie Highlanders, from Youngstown, have roots dating back to 1913. The tradition continues as they offer free lessons to all interested in becoming a member. Celtic Spirit also from Niagara County, and mixes traditional pipe music with various modern instruments in unique arrangements.

On Sunday, enjoy the Niagara Regional Police Pipes & Drums, the Rochester Scottish Pipes & Drums, the Buffalo Niagara Scotia Pipes & Drums, and the Feadán Òr Pipe Band.

The Niagara Regional Police are from Niagara Falls, Ontario. They perform across Canada and the U.S., both as a concert and a competition band. The Rochester Scottish are the city’s Celtic ambassadors to the world. The band has a broad repertoire playing both traditional martial and modern tunes. One of WNY's newer pipe bands, Buffalo Niagara Scotia, from Tonawanda, is dedicated to strengthening Scottish pride in the region and welcomes newcomers of all ages. Feadán Òr, from the Finger Lakes, promotes traditional Scottish bagpiping, drumming and dancing, in performances and through teaching.

Also on Sunday, to give the feel of a “military tattoo” the festival will welcome the Mount St. Mary's Academy marching band, from Kenmore, will perform. Wearing kilts, they are the only fully instrumented all-girls marching band in New York state.

The Niagara Celtic Heritage Society is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit New York state educational organization. Founded in 2001, it’s focused on preserving the culture of the seven Celtic nations in this region.

Niagara Celtic Heritage Festival: Niagara Regional Pipes & Drums during opening ceremonies in 2023. (Photo by Wayne Peters)

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The annual Celtic Festival is its primary fundraising activity. Join the thousands of people that attend each year, where everyone is “Celtic” for the weekend. In addition to the nine bands, the cultural celebration includes Highland athletics, dancers, national and regional musicians, merchandise vendors, artisans, food and beverage vendors, a kid’s area, clans, reenactors, seminars and local community groups.

Parking is free, as is the festival guidebook. For the detailed schedule, ticket information, and FAQs, visit the website at www.niagaraceltic.com.