PIPERS are being invited to take part in a spectacular parade through Glasgow to help raise money for the children’s hospital.

Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival is looking for musicians to take part in the opening event on August 7, where pipers will march from Blythswood Square to George Square.

The performance will officially kick off Piping Live!, renowned as the world’s biggest week of piping, which runs until August 13.

This year’s parade, composed of 200 musicians, will march in aid of the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

All money raised will go towards funding medical equipment, a family support service, innovative play sessions and ground breaking research to help further generations of Scotland’s children.

This year’s Big Band chieftain will be Kami Bear – the official mascot of the charity – who will be marching with the band as they make their way to George Square and take the salute.

The festival is looking for players of all strengths, from beginner chanter players to world champions, as well as the general public to join forces and blow Glasgow away with an amazing performance whilst raising funds for the charity.

Roddy MacLeod, Festival Director of Piping Live!, said: “The work of everyone involved at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity is just incredible and we’re honoured to be able to contribute to their ongoing work.”

Kirsten Sinclair, Director of Fundraising at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity: “It will be so inspiring to see hundreds of musicians marching through the city in support of our young patients. It would be lovely to think that the music will be loud enough for the boys and girls to hear over at the hospital, so let’s see how many pipers and drummers we can assemble to join the fun!”

Pipers, snare, tenor, bass drummers and drum majors can register today to be part of the Piping Live! Big Band via www.pipinglive.co.uk.

There will be a £10 joining fee, with donations going to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.