Pibrochs and Pride: Champion pipers and gay marchers hit the town
Thousands descend on city for gigs, parades and performances
Crowds of morethan 50,000 descended on Scotland’ s biggest city as the World Piping Championship, the Glasgow Pride march and a top music festival coincided on the same day.
A weekend of major events also saw thousands congregate in Aberdeen for a pro- independence rally and crowds flock to the Festival and gigs in Edinburgh.
The two- day world piping tournament returned to Glasgow Green yesterday and on Friday.
Tens of thousands of fans from around the world watched more than 5,000 pipers per form at 150 events across the city.
Inter national acts descended on the city for the return of the Masters Solo, International Quartet, Pipe Idol competitions and colourful performances.
Yesterday,
15 bands were competing to become world champions.
A few miles away, a crowd of almost 10,000 people were estimated to have attended the Glasgow Pride parade, with Equalities Minister Christina Mckelvie joining marchers. The event marks
50 years since the Stonewall Uprising, an LGBTQ civil rights protest in New York City, which has since sparked worldwide demonstrations.
Christopher Tait, chairman of Pride Glasgow, said: “It’s estimated over 9,000 people joined together today under a peaceful and happy banner either with friends, family or part of an organisation.
“We demonstrated our passion and love in the city.”
The parade left Clydeside at 11.30am before taking a new route through the east end of the city centre, ending with community stalls at Broomielaw next to the Kingston Bridge.
Organisers of Glasgow Summer Sessions warned revellers of muddy conditions ahead of the final gigs at Bellahouston Park.
The wet weather witnessed at Friday’s The Cure gig coupled with further showers left the site heavily waterlogged. Revellers were advised to “leave their favourite trainers at home” ahead of last night’s performance by Foo Fighters. A spokesperson said: “We worked hard to get the site ready overnight.
“We put extra walkways in place and added hay across the site but fans should still expect festival- style muddy conditions.
“We strongly advise people to wear wellies, boots and waterproofs as it is very muddy underfoot.”
The festival has seen a string of top names, including Primal Scream and Madness, perform at gigs in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Meanwhile, thousands of people took part in a pro- independence march in Aberdeen.
The event was organised by campaign group All Under One Banner.
Marc hers congregated on the city’ s Al byn Road at around 1.30pm before proceeding down Union Street and finishing at Castlegate. Police Scotland estimated 4,000-5,000 people joined the march. No major incidents were reported at any of the events held yesterday.