Parading pipers' dreams come true

Pipers and drummers from around the world will join the parade which begins at Edinburgh Castle and ends beside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

This year's Pipefest, featuring 4,200 pipers and drummers will kick off a worldwide celebration of bagpipes, which includes a record breaking event on a US aircraft carrier.

Pipefest organiser Magnus Orr said: "This event shows that Scotland is the perfect stage for events.

"We have people coming from 27 countries - which in the current climate is amazing. For a lot of people this will be their first big performance. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland and to march through it is something every piper dreams of."

Pipefest, which happens in the capital every five years, has this year become a truly global event, with other parades in England, Canada, Australia and the US over a 24-hour period.

In New York 400 pipers will play on the deck of the USS Intrepid in an attempt to set a new world record for the biggest pipe band ever to assemble on the deck of a ship. The final event will take place in Coffs Harbour, Australia on 8 August.

The Edinburgh massed band will be led by former Scotland rugby champion Gavin Hastings. Organisers estimate it will take just over an hour for all 4,200 pipers and drummers to make their way down the Royal Mile to the final rallying point in Holyrood Park.

Councillor Steve Cardownie, festivals and events champion for the City of Edinburgh, said: "You can't ask for a more spectacular or atmospheric backdrop than the historic heart of Edinburgh.

"Pipefest 2010 promises to be a wonderful celebration of our national instrument and I'm sure the parade will be thronged with spectators, from Scotland and from overseas."

Paul Bush of EventScotland said: "The event not only celebrates an important part of Scotland's cultural identity, but showcases Edinburgh as the perfect stage for events to a global audience. This piping challenge resonates around the world and strengthens Scotland's position as a leading destination for exciting and dynamic festivals."

Spectators lining the route will be encouraged to donate to Marie Curie Cancer Care to show their appreciation for the performance.

Robbie McIntosh of Marie Curie Cancer Care said: "Pipefest is always a fantastic occasion with pipers from all over the world taking part.

"For Marie Curie, it plays a central role in our fundraising activity for Scotland. We're really hoping that this year we can raise more than 100,000, which would do much to help us continue our work in Scotland."Pipers can set up their own JustGiving site and we'll also have an army of Marie Curie volunteers on the ground for any other participants or spectators wishing to donate money."

• THE One O' Clock Gun will mark the beginning of today's Pipefest parade in which thousands of pipers and drummers will march down the Royal Mile.

The massed pipe band will assemble at Johnston Terrace at the side of Edinburgh Castle from noon.

Former Scottish rugby captain Gavin Hastings will lead the band down the High Street, past St Giles' Cathedral and towards the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

The pipers will pass between the palace and the parliament before gathering again in Holyrood Park.