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 Renfrewshire News

Autumnal styling, sandwiches and scones with Dobbies

For October, Dobbies Garden Centres has launched a brand new autumn edition of its hands-on planting experience, combined with a tasty Afternoon Tea.

Renovated tennis courts are big hit with the public

Renfrewshire residents have been picking up a racket to take advantage of newly renovated tennis courts in the area.

SAY Award unveils Longlist

The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, today reveals the 20 outstanding Scottish albums on 2024's Longlist.

BBC Debate Night returns for 2024

BBC Scotland's topical TV programme Debate Night returns later this month and they are searching for people to be part of the big studio audience.

New Scottish music awards receives over 3000 nominations in first 48 hours

The recently launched Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA), in association with GO Radio, has seen an overwhelming response, receiving over 3000 nominations in just the first 2 days.

New Clan jerseys feature design links to rich heritage of Scotland

Almost 1000 fans turned up to see the launch of the Glasgow Clan's new season jerseys at Braehead Shopping Centre.

Edinburgh Butter Company announces search for the Best Croissant in Scotland

The Edinburgh Butter Company is excited to announce the launch of Scotland’s first-ever croissant competition, open to bakers across the country.

Renfrewshire communities encouraged to participate in Spotless September

Renfrewshire residents who want to help make their local neighbourhoods cleaner and more inviting places to live, work and visit are being encouraged to take part in Spotless September.

Get ready to be blown away... Twisters returns to 4DX at Cineworld

Hold onto your popcorn, because Cineworld is thrilled to announce the whirlwind return of the blockbuster hit Twisters to 4DX screens nationwide, due to an overwhelming tornado of popular demand!

The Force reawakens at Vue venues in Scotland this September as the Star Wars saga returns to the big screen

Film fans are invited to revisit a galaxy far, far away this September as every main Star Wars film brings some of cinema's most iconic heroes and villains back to the big screen.

Great Scottish Run: 4 weeks to go

Are you ready to take on Scotland's greatest running event at this year's AJ Bell Great Scottish Run in Glasgow on Sunday 6 October?

Unique venue offers the perfect stage

Festival-goers attending the fourth Music at the Multiverse festival at the weekend enjoyed fantastic live music, sunshine and showers in one of Scotland’s most spectacular outdoor venues.

Thousands from Northern Ireland set sail for Scottish universities

Students go FREE with Stena Line on Cairnryan and Liverpool routes.

Iconic buildings across Renferwshire set to welcome visitors for Doors Open Days 2024

Spectacular venues across Renfrewshire will welcome visitors as part of Doors Open Days, which includes a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Paisley's weaver poet, Robert Tannahill.

Scottish Borders winter light trail, Monteviot Lights, returns for a second year

Prepare to be enchanted once again this winter as Monteviot Lights returns to Monteviot House & Gardens!

Book early for Breakfast with Santa at Cardwell Garden Centre

Santa Claus may be coming to town, but he's also coming to Cardwell Garden Centre to join youngsters for a series of special festive breakfasts.

Galoshans Festival 2024 Returns for Spooktacular 10th Anniversary

Get ready for ghoulish grins and festive fun - Inverclyde’s beloved Galoshans Festival returns for its 10th anniversary!

Renfrewshire Council launches survey to get residents views on events programme

Renfrewshire Council has launched a survey to find out what residents think of its events programme as it approaches the end of its current three-year plan.

Social Bite encourages Scotland to hop, skip or jump to help end homelessness

Participants can choose any novel way of racking up 100 miles this September to help raise crucial funds for those who need it most in the UK.

Entertainers launch brand new Michael Jackson tribute show, Man in the Mirror

Today, on what would have been Michael Jackson's 66th Birthday, entertainers launch their brand-new show; Man in the Mirror – A Tribute to Michael Jackson.

Annual Salvesen Lecture at University of Edinburgh will address ADHD in Women and Girls

Distinguished Senior Consultant Physician and psychiatrist Lotta Borg Skoglund will present groundbreaking research which challenges outdated views on female ADHD.

Montpeliers founders among winners at the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub awards!

The winners of the 2024 Scottish Bar and Pub Awards have been revealed!

Paisley Arts Centre reopens after multi million pound refurbishment

Paisley Arts Centre is proud to announce its grand reopening following a stunning multimillion-pound refurbishment that has transformed the venue into a premier cultural hub in the heart of Paisley.

Loch Lomond Food and Drink Festival is back this September

With Chef Demos, Cocktail & Mocktail Masterclasses and Wild Food Walks!

Celebrate National Cinema Day at Vue venues across Scotland

Film fans can get their big screen fix at Vue for just £4 this Saturday (31 August) as part of National Cinema Day!

Nominees announced for Scots Language Awards 2024

The nominees have been unveiled for the Scots Language Awards 2024, with 50 outstanding organisations and individuals in the running for 12 awards at the annual ceremony next month.

Dynamic double bill from Scottish Dance Theatre set to tour the UK this Autumn

Fresh from a hit run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it earned critical and audience acclaim, Scottish Dance Theatre is taking its groundbreaking double-bill The Flock & Moving Cloud on tour.

The Village celebrates two years with special event for new parents with care experience in Paisley

The Why Not? Trust is delighted to announce a special event to celebrate the second anniversary of The Village, taking place in Paisley this week.

Prepare your garden for spring with Dobbies

As the cooler days of Autumn approach, Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting families and gardening enthusiasts to gear up for a colourful spring with its free monthly Grow How sessions this September.