Pipe Band chiefs expecting bumper year in Glasgow

WITH 100 days left until Glasgow hosts the World Pipe Band Championships, organisers say they are preparing for a record-breaking year.

Piper Chris Gray and drummer Craig Baxter will be performing at 'The Worlds' in August. Picture: John Devlin

The event, known affectionately as the ‘Worlds’, will be held on Glasgow Green on August 16th, with Grade 1 qualifiers taking place the day before.

Last year, a record 226 bands and over 8000 individual pipers from all over the world descended on the city for the biggest event in the piping calendar.

Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association confirmed that event chiefs were gearing up for a bumper year, adding: “We have 157 bands from all over the world signed up so far and, with 100 days still to go, we could well be in for a record-breaking year.

“We’re delighted that several bands from overseas will be joining us for the first time. Among them are a band from California called ‘House of Scotland’, another named ‘Scotch Watch’ from Switzerland. They will of course be given a very warm welcome at Glasgow Green.

“The Worlds has long been the biggest event on the piping calendar and the countdown is now on for what will be a very special year for the competition.”

Along with the piping competition, there will also be Highland Dancing, Highland Games, a children’s zone and an international ‘Street of Food’, offering culinary delights from around the globe.

Tickets are available now from peoplemakeglasgow.com/piping.