THE World Pipe Band Championships will be held in Glasgow this summer, the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and Glasgow Life have confirmed.

Thousands of pipers and drummers are expected to descend on Glasgow Green to compete in the events, which will take place on August 12 and 13.

The championships, which are being held for the first time since the summer of 2019 due to the pandemic, attract competitors and spectators from all over the world.

Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “The return of the World Pipe Band Championships is being keenly anticipated by the pipers, drummers and music fans everywhere.

Glasgow Times: Thousands of pipers and drummers are set to attend the events in Glasgow Green this summer.Thousands of pipers and drummers are set to attend the events in Glasgow Green this summer.

“The sights and sounds of the competitions in full flow are unforgettable for everyone who experiences them and bands are already rehearsing so they will be ready to enter the arenas again.

“The Worlds are an occasion to anticipate and savour and we cant wait to return to Glasgow this summer.”

Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, added: “The World Pipe Band Championships are one of the foundations of the summer events programme in Glasgow and the city can look forward to another outstanding showcase of musical talent.

“The Worlds and Piping Live! combine to bring streets and venues around Glasgow alive with the sounds of pipers and drummers performing.

“The World Pipe Band Championships are a wonderful celebration of Scottish culture and an occasion that lives long in the memory.”

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Paul Bush OBE, director of events at VisitScotland, said: “EventScotland is delighted to be continuing its support of the World Pipe Band Championships and we look forward to welcoming pipers from across the world to Glasgow Green this August for the first time in two years.

“There is no better place to experience piping and after the challenges of the last two years, now is the time to plan and enjoy this amazing event which will stir the emotions.

“The World Pipe Band Championships play an important role in the Scottish event calendar, as it attracts international visitors to Scotland and helps to reinforce Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for international events.”

Glasgow Times: World Pipe Band Championship 2018.World Pipe Band Championship 2018.

Glasgow first hosted the World Pipe Band Championships in 1948 and has been the host city for the event every year since 1986.

They are the pinnacle of competitive pipe band competition and are organised on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life.

Inveraray and District Pipe Band were crowned World Champions in 2019. The Worlds, as they are often called, take place in Glasgow at the same time as Piping Live! which this year runs between Friday, August 6, and Sunday, August 14.

Both events are supported by Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.