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.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Lanarkshire News

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July

Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!

Play more, spend less at Topgolf Glasgow this Summer

Topgolf Glasgow is dialling up the fun with a fresh range of value offers launching throughout the summer, helping players maximise their experience by giving them more for less!

Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show

The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!

July events at Dobbies Garden Centres

Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!

Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition

Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.

Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!

Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!

25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway

Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.

Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland

Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.

East Kilbride shopper scoops prize for CHAS in Aldi Supermarket Sweep

One lucky East Kilbride winner has raised £739.03 for Children's Hospices Across Scotland while picking up the same amount in Aldi favourites for himself on the Supermarket Sweep challenge!

Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland

The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.

Albino stage performer takes part in LIVE event with Amazonia to cure spider and snake fears

An Albino hypnotist and mind reader who was inspired by Derren Brown to launch a stage career has helped people to cure their fear of exotic spiders and snakes.

New Power Trail launches at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde

A brand new 'Power Trail' has officially launched at New Lanark and the Falls of Clyde, exploring the remarkable story of waterpower, from 18th-century cotton mills to 21st-century renewable energy.

M&Ds lends support to unpaid carers

M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is celebrating National Carers Week (9th to 15th June) by offering exclusive discounts to unpaid carers in recognition of the huge amount work that they do.

Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM

Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.

Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores

Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.

Paws, play and heritage on parade

Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.

Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party

Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.

How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler

Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.

Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.

Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open

Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!

Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!

Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!

Miss Rachel fever hits Scotland

Miss Rachel fever, the American YouTuber who creates baby and toddler learning videos, is sweeping Scotland.

Dig into summer fun at Dobbies

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.

Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland

Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.

Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland

Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.

Aldi Scottish Sport Fund offers Glasgow and West of Scotland clubs the chance to access funding

Aldi's Scottish Sport Fund 2025 has returned for its tenth year, giving local sports clubs in Glasgow and the West of Scotland the opportunity to receive a share of £50,000 in funding.

Amazonia appoints new education officer

Amazonia, a temperature controlled tropical indoor attraction within M&D's Scotland's Theme Park, has appointed Courtney Whiteman as an Education Officer.

Vue to host marvellous superhero season welcoming classic X Men films back to the big screen for 25th anniversary

Film fans, families and comic book enthusiasts are invited to rediscover the original big screen superhero team as a series of classic X-Men films return to the big screen at Vue this month.

Kids Fly FareFREE on new Loganair routes

Families can take advantage of Loganair's new Kids Fly Fare-FREE offer, allowing children aged 11 and under to travel without paying an airfare.

Popular Listings

Airdrie Town Hall Chatelherault Country Park East Kilbride Arts Centre East Kilbride Village Theatre Lanark Memorial Hall Lanternhouse Cumbernauld Rutherglen Town Hall Strathclyde Country Park The Town House Hamilton

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.

Sponsored Links

Latest Lanarkshire News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings