Pipe band leader secures another term on board of Arts Council Northern Ireland

Communities minister GORDON LYONS has reappointed RAY HALL as a member of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland board from 1 September 2025 until 31 August 2029.

Hall, who has served on the board since 1 September 2021, recently retired as resilience manager for the Southern Emergency Preparedness Group, where he was responsible for coordinating multi-agency planning, response and recovery operations for major incidents.

His work involved close collaboration with local authorities, emergency services, health bodies, and central government departments to effectively manage incidents across six district councils in the southern region of Northern Ireland.

He currently serves as a director of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and is a trustee of the Royal Air Forces Association, supporting the welfare of the RAF community. Last year, Hall was awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday honours for services to pipe bands and the community in Northern Ireland.