Regions Pipe Bands head for World Championship
Written by author on August 14, 2015
IT’S the biggest weekend in the calendar for pipe bands from across the world and bands from Dumfries and Galloway will be competing at the world championships.
Glasgow will play host to many of the finest Pipe Bands in the world this weekend as they compete for title of World Champions.
A total of 230 bands are heading for Glasgow Green for the World Pipe Band Championships bringing around 8000 pipers and drummers to the city to compete across 8 different grades.
In total 16 nations are expected to be represented at The Worlds as they are affectionately known on 14 and 15 August 2015. More than a hundred bands will come from outside Scotland to compete including bands from Austria and Malaysia for the first time. Bands from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Canada, England, Oman, USA, New Zealand, Australia, Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa, Belgium and the Netherlands will also attend.
The World Pipe Band Championships are a unique celebration of Scottish culture featuring outstanding musicians who have practised for years to reach the pinnacle of Pipe Band competition. As well as the opportunity to enjoy world class performances the World Pipe Band Championships will also host Highland Dancing competitions, a Highland Games, a children’s area, food village and traders.
Tickets for the event range from as little as £2 for a concession ticket on Friday August 14 to £28 for a ticket for the Grade 1 competition on Saturday afternoon where the battle for the World Championship will play out. Family tickets for 2 adults and up to 3 children on Saturday August 15 are available while children aged 5 or under won’t be charged. For further information please go to www.theworlds.co.uk
- Live streaming of the event will be available via www.theworlds.co.uk on Friday August 14 and via the BBC website on Saturday August 15. BBC Scotland will also broadcast television highlights post event.
The Worlds complete a week-long celebration of piping in Glasgow with Piping Live! bringing the best contemporary and traditional performances to the city from 10th to 16th August. For more information please visit www.pipinglive.co.uk.
Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the RSPBA said: “The World Pipe Band Championships are the pinnacle of Pipe Band Competition and we are expecting another competition of the highest quality. 230 bands are putting the finishing touches to their performances after hundreds of hours of practise for their competitions. The spectacle which will unfold on Glasgow Green on 14 and 15 August is a unique celebration of Scottish culture which will leave everyone who sees it with indelible memories of outstanding musicians.”
Councillor Archie Graham, Chairman of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council will be chieftain for the 2015 World Pipe Band Championships. Councillor Graham said: “The Worlds have been associated with Glasgow for over 60 years and in that time has become one of the most anticipated events the city hosts each year. To have so many bands competing here reinforces Glasgow’s global reputation as a warm and welcoming host city. There is nothing to compare with the sights and sounds of Glasgow Green during The Worlds.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “It is with great anticipation that Scotland once again welcomes The World Pipe Band Championships, which alongside Piping Live! delivers the world’s biggest piping festival. This is an event of great significance, both to Scotland and to an international array of incredibly talented musicians who have travelled from across the globe to compete in Glasgow. As a celebration of Scottish culture, there really is no better showcase.”
The World Pipe Band Championships are delivered on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and Glasgow City Council by Glasgow Life and are supported by Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and EventScotland, a team in VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.
