The countdown to the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships is on!
It's a week until Glasgow once again welcomes The World Pipe Band Championships, a spectacular highlight of Scotland's annual cultural calendar that's always highly anticipated and extremely popular.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 9 August 2024 9:05
This year’s ‘Worlds’ will be held on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August at Glasgow Green. The city hosted the renowned championships for the first time in 1948 and has staged every edition since 1986.
The prestigious international contest, which is the pinnacle of competitive piping, brings together thousands of pipers and drummers from all over the world for the ultimate ‘battle of the bands’.
More than 35,000 attendees gathered on Glasgow Green last year to watch the finest bands in the world compete, and the spectacular finale which culminated in Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band winning the World Champions title for the first time, bringing the crown home to Scotland.
With an increased number of bands competing in the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships, the contest is set to be even more fiercely contested this year. Representing 13 countries from as far afield as Australia, Hong Kong, and Oman, 204 bands will take part.
Spectators from near and far can look forward to superb entertainment, stirring sounds, colourful sights and an unforgettable experience, with the championships concluding with the traditional march past of all the bands, and a unique performance as they play together prior to the announcement of the contest’s category winners and the 2024 World Champions.
Attendees at this year’s Worlds can look forward to seeing:
• 204 bands competing; the biggest contingent is from Scotland (119 bands), followed by Northern Ireland (25 bands), USA (18 bands), and Canada (10 bands). This will be the first year that a band from Hong Kong is taking part in the contest.
• Well over 7,000 pipers and drummers amassing on Glasgow Green (based on average number of band members) amassing – all resplendent in their band uniforms of kilts in a variety of vibrant tartans, worn with sporrans and Glengarry bonnets
• Over 52,400 m/ 50 km/30 miles of tartan kilt fabric worn by competitors (based on premium, traditional length-kilts). The length of material in a kilt varies from between 5m to around 7.5m.
• Competitors ranging from juveniles and novice juveniles in their early teens to experienced seniors, the oldest of whom are in their 70s.
• Bands playing a wealth of traditional Scottish musical pieces. Playing requirements differ according to the band’s grade, from march time signatures at lower levels to MSRs (a set of tunes consisting of a march, a strathspey and a reel; three different simple time metres) or musical medleys of varying durations, at higher levels. Grade 1 bands play MSRs and a medley.
• 116 trophies awarded across the 9 contest grades and 3 drum major grades – plus the World Champions title.
The World Pipe Band Championships are staged on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life – the charity which delivers culture and sport in Glasgow to support mental, physical and economic wellbeing – and the event is supported by funding from EventScotland.
The Worlds not only attracts thousands of spectators and supporters but also huge virtual audiences worldwide as it is live streamed – this year on Friday 16 August via www.theworlds.co.uk and on Saturday 17 August via www.bbc.co.uk/worlds – reflecting the level of global interest in the music of Scotland’s national instrument. This is also evident from the success and popularity of the Piping Live! annual festival which celebrates the traditional and contemporary sounds of the bagpipes and coincides with the championships – this year running from 10 to 18 August.
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Chief Executive, Colin Mulhern, said: “Now that the final countdown is on to the 2024 Worlds, excitement is definitely intensifying and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Glasgow Green on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August.
“The championships are incredibly popular with the international piping community as well as supporters and spectators. Experiencing the incredible sights, sounds and atmosphere of the Worlds, and its spectacular finale, is always unforgettable. As ever, tickets are always in great demand for this great event, but it’s not too late to book up for this year’s contest so don’t delay if you don’t want to miss out!”
Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “The World Pipe Band Championships is an annual highlight of Glasgow’s fantastic cultural events calendar and the renowned international event shines the global spotlight on our city every year, attracting competitors, spectators and audiences from all over the world.
“The championships and the Piping Live! festival demonstrate the strength of worldwide interest in Scottish culture and the music of Scotland’s national instrument. These fantastic events are extremely important to, and valued by Glasgow as they further enhance the city’s cultural profile, boost tourism, and contribute significantly to our economy. We are very proud of the continued success of these much-loved celebrations of piping and Scottish culture, and look forward to welcoming bands, supporters and visitors from near and far for this year’s Worlds.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience piping events and EventScotland is proud to be continuing its support of the World Pipe Band Championships, the pinnacle of the piping competition calendar.
“Events play an important role in our communities by offering us the chance to come together and share memorable experiences. Glasgow Green will once again provide the perfect stage as competitors from across the world come together to showcase their talents to an enthusiastic audience as they battle it out to be crowned world champion. Good luck to all the bands taking part in the Worlds. I hope you have a fantastic competition.”
Further details of the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships, and tickets for the event are available at www.theworlds.co.uk. Highlights from the event will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Friday 23 August at 8pm, with another chance to watch it on Saturday 24 August at 3pm.
Sponsored Links
Latest Lanarkshire News
M&Ds teams up with Zombie Infection for a heart pounding, live action horror attraction
M&D's is set to transform into Scotland's Scream Park with the launch of Zombie Checkpoint, a live action immersive horror experience creating a heart racing adventure not for the faint hearted.
READ MORE
Topgolf Glasgow launches new field goal challenge game this autumn
Topgolf Glasgow is bringing a taste of the gridiron to Scotland this autumn with the launch of its brand-new Field Goal Challenge game.
READ MORE
Iconic films to take centre stage at Vue venues in Scotland
Iconic movies celebrating key milestones this year are returning to Vue for a limited run - including Steven Spielberg classic Jaws.
READ MORE
20 expert sessions at The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
The Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show will be packed with expert speakers when it returns to the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston on 4th – 5th October 2025.
READ MORE
A Taste of Loch Lomond Book launches with live cooking demo at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival
Love Loch Lomond will officially launch its new publication, A Taste of Loch Lomond – Stories and Flavours from the Bonnie Banks, at the Loch Lomond Food & Drink Festival on Sunday 7th September.
READ MORE
Seriously fun ideas for your work Christmas Party
It might only be September, but the C-word is not too far away, so it's time to start thinking about planning the annual office Christmas shindig before everything gets booked up!
READ MORE
Business Gateway launches its first ever Scottish Start Up Month
Business Gateway, Scotland's national business support service, has launched Scottish Start-Up Month, a nationwide campaign to celebrate Scotland's entrepreneurial spirit.
READ MORE
Pop up play town brings big imaginations to little ones
A new role-play experience is popping up in community venues across Greater Glasgow this month bringing pint-sized professions and plenty of pretend fun to preschoolers and their families.
READ MORE
Enjoy an evening with Peter MacQueen and the Hebridean Baker at Hamilton Town House
South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture is delighted to present a special evening featuring two of Scotland's best-loved voices: Peter MacQueen and Coinneach MacLeod, the Hebridean Baker.
READ MORE
Fresh new line up for one of the biggest FREE food and drink festivals in Scotland
Vikings, a pie eating competition, new celebrated chef and dog & duck shows set to bring new energy to Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival this September.
READ MORE
From pouring pints to the red carpet: The Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 crowns its hospitality stars!
The winners of the 2025 Scottish Bar & Pub Awards were unveiled on the 26th of August at a glittering, Oscars-themed ceremony held at the Doubletree by Hilton, Glasgow.
READ MORE
Best Croissant Competition returns for 2025
The Edinburgh Butter Company has announced the return of its ‘Scotland’s Best Croissant’ competition on Monday 13th October.
READ MORE
GlasGLOW announces all new show for 2025, inspired by the legendary 80s campaign that made Glasgow smile
itison has confirmed that GlasGLOW will return to the Botanic Gardens from 24th October – 2nd November for its eighth year and with its biggest show yet... GlasGLOW's Miles Better!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland launches Talking About Heritage
People across Scotland invited to take part in national conversation about heritage.
READ MORE
Tickets now on sale for The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo closes the drawbridge on its 75th anniversary Show, as tickets for next year go on sale.
READ MORE
Beat the Street physical activity game returns to Cambuslang and Rutherglen this autumn!
A popular physical activity game returns to Cambuslang and Rutherglen from Wednesday, 17th September to Wednesday, 29th October.
READ MORE
Primark celebrates 50 years in Scotland with a wee nod to loyal Scots in all stores today
Scottish shoppers will hardly believe it when they see it today as Primark finally relents on one of its biggest brand debates after 50 years.
READ MORE
M&Ds carve out a great family day out this October
M&D's Scotland's Theme Park has launched details of its Pumpkin Festival taking place in October!
READ MORE
Christmas at Crieff Hydro returns with magical line up of festive activities
Scotland's best loved family resort, Crieff Hydro, has unveiled details of a specially curated programme of events as it prepares to welcome guests over the festive period.
READ MORE
Scots Language Awards 2025 shortlist unveiled
The shortlist for the Scots Language Awards 2025 has been unveiled, with figures from Scottish literature, theatre, education and business all in the running for awards at the annual ceremony.
READ MORE
Cheers to 50 years of Primark in Scotland and Hamilton
This Thursday, 21st August, Primark is celebrating 50 years since it opened its doors for the first time in Scotland, and the home of that first store was in Hamilton!
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn wins double gold at the World Beer Awards 2025
Innis & Gunn has claimed double gold on the global stage, winning best in Scotland for the second year running at the World Beer Awards.
READ MORE
Santa Claus is coming to Dobbies
From exciting encounters with Santa himself to hands-on workshops and joyful family moments, Dobbies is the destination for festive fun this Christmas!
READ MORE
Singalong screening of K Pop Demon Hunters heading to Vue venues in Scotland, with tickets on sale now
One of the most-watched films on Netflix is heading to Vue next weekend for a special sing-along event – with tickets on sale now!
READ MORE
Free September gardening workshops at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inspiring gardeners across Scotland this September with two free-to-attend gardening workshops, Little Seedlings Club and Grow How, suitable for all ages and abilities.
READ MORE
Finalists announced for Scottish Bar & Pubs Awards 2025
Lights, Pints, Action! Scotland's pubs go for gold at the hospitality industry's very own oscars.
READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle unveils holistic wellness experiences to nourish the mind, body and soul
From one-day yoga and breathwork retreats to an overnight luxury Fire & Ice Wellness experience, these events offer the perfect escape to restore, reflect, and recharge.
READ MORE
Cereal giant to support STV Childrens Appeal campaign to fund breakfast clubs in Scottish schools
Stronger Together: Kellogg's pledges pound-for-pound match for Big Scottish Breakfast Fundraiser.
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Motorhome, Caravan & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
Clyde Scouts celebrate 100 years of outdoor adventure at Auchengillan
New high ropes course and giant swing unveiled in landmark investment for centenary.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links