Down Academy Pipes & Drums was founded in September 2018 and is based in Spa, Ballynahinch, in the South Down area of Northern Ireland. It was established as a cross-community pipe band with a strong focus on young players, and is described as a Grade 4B competitive band made up mainly of members under the age of 16.

The band’s purpose is centred on tuition, youth development and promoting traditional Scottish piping and drumming. Despite being relatively new, Down Academy has built a strong reputation for encouraging young pipers and drummers to progress into competition, with its own juvenile solo piping and drumming championships also appearing in the RSPBA Northern Ireland calendar.

Today, Down Academy Pipes & Drums continues to perform, compete and develop young talent in Northern Ireland’s pipe band scene.