Latest news with #WorldPipeBandChampionships
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Piping Live! opens in Glasgow with record-breaking big band
The Piping Live! Big Band, which includes musicians from diverse backgrounds, kick-started the international festival on Monday, August 11, by marching from Mansfield Park to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The band performed a medley of popular tunes for the spectators and families who had gathered along the parade route. (Image: Supplied) Onlookers applauded the parade, which welcomed pipers and drummers aged eight to 86 years old this year. Many of the participants are expected to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships on August 15 and 16 at Glasgow Green. Read more: Huge supermarket chain creating 16 new jobs - here is what we know Drum Sergeant Alexander Manfield from Warwick Thistle Pipe Band made his first appearance at Piping Live! and the World Championships. He and his band travelled from Australia for the event, marking their first-ever venture outside the country. Alexander said: "I've been with the band 20 years and it's amazing to finally come to Scotland to perform in this beautiful part of the world. (Image: Supplied) "Many of the band have Scottish roots, so it means a lot to us to come here - some of us have travelled with family as there are multiple generations in the band, so it's special. "It's also great to meet people from other bands we speak to virtually – we've been snapping selfies already." The Piping Live! Big Band partners with a charitable cause each year, and this year, they have chosen to support the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust. Established in honour of the talented piper Eilidh MacLeod, the trust supports music education for children and young people in Scotland. The late teen's family travelled from Barra to lead the parade. Roddy MacLeod, Eilidh's father, said: "We didn't expect there to be such an amazing turnout, it's so impressive, you can't beat seeing so many people take to the streets of Glasgow. "It means a lot to us to be thought of." The event's artistic director, Finlay MacDonald, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to see today's wonderful parade officially marking the beginning of what promises to be a hugely exciting edition of the Piping Live! "festival. 'This year is a particularly special one for us, as attendees can experience our brand-new reimagined outdoor space at the home of the festival, the National Piping Centre. 'We've got a fantastic week of events planned, with something on offer for all ages.' Bailie Annette Christie, chair of charity Glasgow Life, which supports the festival with funding, said: 'Celebrating the contemporary and traditional music of the bagpipes, and the great diversity of our national instrument, this year's dynamic Piping Live! programme boasts a wealth of exciting entertainment and activities that will appeal to a wide range of audiences." Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, said: "Glasgow and Scotland are truly the heart and soul of piping, and nowhere is that more evident than at Piping Live!, a dynamic celebration of our rich musical heritage."
Glasgow Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
2025 World Pipe Band Championships set for Glasgow Green
The 2025 World Pipe Band Championships return to Glasgow Green on August 15 and 16, marking the 77th time the event has been held in the city. It will bring together 207 bands from 15 countries, including groups from Oman, Zimbabwe, Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. (Image: Kris Kesiak) Colin Mulhern, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "Our decision to stage a dedicated youth competition as part of the 2025 World Pipe Band Championships is underpinned by our mission to nurture young talent in piping and drumming. "Showcasing the incredible talent and skills of the next generation, the youth competition also reinforces our ongoing commitment to the future of pipe band music. Read more: Paul Sweeney MSP: We can't just let them build another desert wi' windaes "We hope as many people as possible will come to support these brilliant young performers as they take their well-earned place at the heart of the world's premier pipe band event. "As ever, tickets are in great demand for the event, so anyone who doesn't want to miss out on the experience should book now for Friday, August 15, and Saturday, August 16." (Image: Kris Kesiak) This year introduces a new format, with a dedicated youth competition on the Friday. More than 1,540 under-18s will compete in Juvenile and Novice Juvenile categories, and the day will end with a massed performance and prize-giving. The senior band competitions will take place on the Saturday, culminating in the crowning of the 2025 world champions. (Image: Kris Kesiak) Tickets for the event are available at Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: "Glasgow is privileged to be home to the world's biggest celebration of Scotland's national instrument. "Every summer, our great UNESCO City of Music is filled with sensational sounds and sights as the traditional and contemporary music of the bagpipes is showcased during our prestigious World Pipe Band Championships and vibrant Piping Live! "festival." The championships coincide with the Glasgow International Piping Festival, Piping Live!, which runs from August 11 to 17 and celebrates its 22nd edition this year. Event highlights will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on August 21.
Times of Oman
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
RAFO secures first place in international competitions in Scotland
Edinburgh: The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) band achieved first place overall in the Grade Four category of the World Pipe Band Championships held in the Scottish city of Dundonald. This new accomplishment adds to the RAFO band's distinguished history of artistic excellence on the world stage. It reflects the high level of professionalism the band has attained and highlights the dedicated efforts of its members in delivering polished musical performances.
CBS News
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
Carnegie Mellon going to World Pipe Band Championships
Carnegie Mellon is going to the World Pipe Band Championships in Scotland. It's the first time the university's Pipes and Drums band will compete on the international stage, going to the European Pipe Band Championships in Perth on Aug. 9 and the world championships in Glasgow on Aug. 15. CMU says it's home to the world's first undergraduate degree in bagpipe performance. The university traces its Scottish roots back to founder Andrew Carnegie. Bagpipe-playing twins Alexandra and Elizabeth Knox, who graduated in May, will be among those representing the Pipes and Drums band abroad. They learned the bagpipes from their father, also a CMU alum. The Pipes and Drums band, which was founded in 1939, is fresh off wins from the Chicago Highland Games and the American Pipe Band Championships in Norfolk, Virginia. The world championships will be attended by 35,000 people in person, and about 500,000 are expected to watch the broadcast on the BBC. "I think for 99% of them, going this year will be their first time ever — not only going to the world championship, but even going to Scotland — so it's a big opportunity. It's exciting to share that with them," Andrew Carlisle, the director of piping, said in a quote on CMU's website. The Knox twins said everyone in the band — from students to staff to alumni — has put in the work to get them to the competition. "You can really hear it in kind of the sound as everyone gets geared up for this competition," Alexandra Knox said on CMU's website. "All the effort really shows. Regardless of how the band does at this competition, I'm super proud of how far everyone has come in the past couple years."
Daily Record
27-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
World Pipe Band Championships road closures as contest returns to Glasgow
The world's biggest pipe band event returns to Glasgow Green on August 15 and 16, where it's been held since 1986 Thousands of pipers and drummers from across the globe are set to descend on Glasgow Green this summer, as the World Pipe Band Championships return to the city in August. The internationally renowned event, the largest of its kind in the world, will take place on Friday August 15 and Saturday August 16. Glasgow has hosted the championships since 1946, and has been its permanent home since 1986, Glasgow Live reports. More than 7,000 musicians are expected to take part, with the opening day featuring performances from Grade One bands and the Juvenile Competition. The main championships will follow on Saturday, drawing spectators from around the world. Last year's event saw 204 bands from 13 countries compete, including groups from as far afield as Australia, Oman and Hong Kong. Of those, 119 bands hailed from Scotland. Northern Ireland had the second highest number of participants, followed by the United States. An estimated 35,000 people attended the event in 2023. Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: 'The World Pipe Band Championships is an iconic event that is incredibly important to the global piping community. "Bringing together in Glasgow the very best bands in the world, it's always spectacular and an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike. 'Last year's Worlds saw 204 bands from 13 countries taking part, and more than 7,000 pipers and drummers taking to the field at Glasgow Green to compete in the ultimate 'battle of the bands'. 'We can certainly expect another wonderful showcase of piping and drumming at this year's event on 15 and 16 August, with a hard-fought contest for all of the categories and of course, the title of this year's world champions. "As always, tickets will be in great demand, so we'd encourage everyone planning to come along to book their tickets as soon as possible.' Tickets are now on sale, with prices starting from £13.50 for adults on Friday and £25 on Saturday. Weekend tickets are also available, starting at £32 for adults and £72 for families. The World Pipe Band Championships form part of the wider Piping Live! Festival, which runs from August 11 to 17. Celebrating its 22nd year, the festival attracts around 30,000 people annually and features live performances, workshops and events. The National Piping Centre in Cowcaddens will serve as the main hub, with a new outdoor stage set up in front of the building. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Road closures are planned to accommodate the event, affecting parts of the London Road area from 4am on 15 August to 11.59pm on 16 August. Affected streets include Charlotte Street between Greendyke Street and London Road, the full length of both east and west carriageways, and Greendyke Street between Turnbull Street and London Road. The event is organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and delivered in partnership with Glasgow Life, the city council's cultural body. Further details and ticket bookings can be found via Glasgow Life.
