The countdown for The World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow is on.
With only a week to go, this year’s ‘worlds’, which will be the 75th anniversary of the event, will be held in Glasgow Green on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19.
The annual event, which is filmed by BBC Scotland and streamed over the internet, brings together thousands of pipers and drummers from all over the world (including Australia, Zimbabwe, USA and the Netherlands) for the ultimate ‘battle of the bands’.
With the number of bands and nations taking part for 2023 increased, this year's competition promises to be even more fierce than last.
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association chief executive, Colin Mulhern, said: "Now that we’ve begun the final countdown to this year’s Worlds on the weekend of August 18 and 19, the excitement really is mounting and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Glasgow Green.
"Ticket sales have been going extremely well, reflecting how popular the championships are – not only with the international piping community but also with fans of traditional Scottish music.
"It’s always a spectacular event so I’d urge as many people as possible, even if they are completely new to the Worlds, not to miss it. There’s still time to book to join us to experience the unforgettable sights, sounds and atmosphere of this year’s contest."
The championships are staged on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life and supported by EventScotland.
Glasgow Life chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: "Glasgow is renowned as a world-class destination for cultural and sporting events, and this summer’s exceptional choice, including The World Pipe Band Championships, showcases that superbly and shines the global spotlight on our city.
"Coinciding with the annual Piping Live! festival, the Worlds are the highlight and focal point of a week of traditional music events in the city. Their combined impact is extremely important to and valued by Glasgow as they further enhance its cultural profile, boost tourism by attracting thousands of competitors and spectators, 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 audiences from near and far for this year’s Worlds."
While Paul Bush OBE, director of events at VisitScotland, added: "I am delighted that EventScotland is once again supporting The World Pipe Band Championships through our International Funding Programme.
"Showcasing a harmonious combination of tradition with talent, Scotland is once again ready to welcome a huge range of competitors from across the world to Glasgow for a contest of skill, and a celebration of culture, heritage and music that spans generations.
"Having events of this scale in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination and reinforces Scotland’s place as the perfect stage for events.
"I wish the 2023 Championships, and everyone taking part, every success and I’m sure audiences will once again revel in the sounds that echo the past, present and the future."
Ticket and event information for The World Pipe Band Championships can be found HERE.
