200 pipe bands to fight for world champions title

More than 200 pipe bands from across the globe are to travel to Glasgow for a chance to be crowned world champion.

Around 8,000 pipers and drummers from 13 countries will descend on Glasgow Green to compete for the prize at the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships are to be held on 17-18 August. Defending champions Inveraray and District will face bands from around the world as they compete to hang on to their crown.

Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said:

“The world pipe band championships are now on a scale that would scarcely have been imagined 70 years ago when it was first held in Glasgow.

“We have bands entered from all over the world all competing to stage their best performance and test themselves against the best.

“Pipe bands also play a significant role in the development of young people, in building communities and friendships and teaching skills that will last a lifetime and be passed on to future generations.”

Scotland will compete with entrants from 214 nations represented including New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, France, Canada, Oman, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Eire, the US, Northern Ireland and England.