NI Accordion festival set for Templepatrick

The Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick, once again, plays host to Northern Ireland's largest accordion festival on Saturday 7 March 2026

The Twenty-Seventh Annual championships has attracted around 170 entries with competitors from as far afield as the Irish Republic, Scotland, England, Wales, and Germany as well as a strong local entry.

Catering for all types of accordion music there will be Solo, Duet, Group, Orchestral, Marching Band and Drum Majors Sections suitable for all ages and grades ranging in styles from classical and continental to traditional.

This year there has, again, been a bumper entry in the Marching Band sections and it is great to see so much local interest.

Starting at 09:30am and running to 17:00 the daytime activities will culminate with a Massed Band Finale and Drum Majors Display and competition.

There shall also be a number of Trade Exhibitors which shall add greatly to the interest and atmosphere.

On the Friday night a free and easy concert will be held in the Donegore Suite featuring top accordionists Anne-Marie Devine & Sean O'Neill, Oscar Everitt, Barry Smith, Carlo Pesticcio, Nigel & Elaine Black, Gary Arnold and The Knockagh Singers.

Then, on the Saturday night, at the prize presentation, there shall be a 45 minute concert featuring former World Champion Djordje Gajic and some of to-days competitors.

This will be followed by the prize presentation and Gala Dance.

These exciting Accordion Championships promise to deliver an extravaganza of accordion music catering for all tastes.

Daytime admission is free so come along to the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick on 6 & 7 March and enjoy a musical treat.