Piping Live! festival and the World Pipe Band Championships get set for summer of sound
Glasgow is set to host Scotland's biggest week of bagpipes this summer, with the return of Piping Live! between 10th and 18th August, and The World Pipe Band Championships on 16th and 17th August.
Article Source: Piping Live!
Last Updated: 14 May 2024 12:50
The world’s biggest piping festival, Piping Live! attracts over 30,000 attendees to Glasgow each year, with an eclectic programme of events for pipers and music lovers alike to be held at venues across the city.
Run by the National Piping Centre and now in its 21st year, the festival will have lively concerts, captivating recitals, hard-fought competitions, engaging workshops and energetic sessions involving 700 musicians on the musical menu across its nine days, including a swathe of free and ticketed events.
Presale tickets will be available from 12noon, Tuesday 14th May to the Piping Live! mailing list, with general tickets on sale from 10am, Friday 17th May at www.pipinglive.co.uk.
General tickets for The World Pipe Band Championships 2024 – which takes place on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August – go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 14th May and are available at www.theworlds.co.uk. (Grade 1 tickets will be released at a later date.)
The World Pipe Band Championships – a major event which Glasgow first hosted in 1948 and the city has staged every year since 1986 – attracts thousands of pipers and drummers from all over the world to compete in the ultimate ‘battle of the bands’.
Organised on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by Glasgow Life – the charity which delivers culture and sport in Glasgow.
Social media sensation Ally Crowley-Duncan, known online as Piper Ally with a combined following of over 4 million for her innovative piping content, will be flying in to take part in Piping Live!. Originally from New York, Ally will be performing and hosting a Q&A as part of the Street Cafe, taking part in the Piping Live! Big Band, and acting as a secret judge in competitions across the week.
Ally the Piper, said: “Being part of Piping Live! is like standing on the grandest stage of bagpipe mastery. It's where the world's finest gather to showcase their talents and where every note carries the weight of centuries of tradition. To be invited back to this world-renowned festival is an amazing moment for me in my musical journey and I can’t wait to share the experiences I have with all of my followers. Even though my career in bagpiping largely exists outside of the traditional, I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to stay connected to the community, and immerse myself once again in the atmosphere of Piping Live! and I am really looking forward to being back in the beautiful country of Scotland and reconnecting with old friends, having first taken part with the Scotia Glenville Pipe Band (now the Capital District Youth Pipe Band) in 2012.”
The spectacular sonic week will get formally underway on Monday 12th August with the iconic Piping Live! Big Band welcoming pipers and drummers of all ages and abilities to join the festival’s mass participation event, filling the city centre streets with music as they march from Mansfield Park in Partick to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
That evening, Sauchiehall Street venue Nice N Sleazy will host Ceol Nua, Piping Live!’s progressive avant garde piping night, showcasing boundary pushing performances in the heart of the city and featuring The Sólàs Collective and Bede Patterson.
Buchanan Street will be awash with the sound of pipes from Monday 12th - Thursday 15th August, with free, open air performances by pipe bands from across the globe taking place each day. Including sets from the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, the City of Angels Pipe Band from LA, and Old Scotch Pipes and Drums from Australia, these performances offer a fantastic chance to experience world-class piping in the bustling heart of the city centre.
In Glasgow’s West End, the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will host a recital by an amazing international artist each day of the festival at 2pm, showcasing bagpiping traditions from around the world in the breathtaking Centre Hall.
On Tuesday 13th August, the International Quartet Competition, sponsored by R.T Shepherd and Son, will see top pipe bands send four of their best pipers to compete for the esteemed title at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s Strathclyde Suite. Meanwhile over in Edinburgh, the Scots Guards Club will host a night of International Piping with the Eagle Pipers Society.
The Gordon Duncan Memorial Piping Competition will move into a new midweek slot for 2024, taking place at The National Piping Centre Auditorium in the afternoon of Wednesday 14th August. Supported by the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust, the prestigious competition sees four pipers compete by playing Scottish, Irish and Breton music in celebration of the life of piping legend Gordon Duncan.
The Pipe Major Alasdair Gillies Memorial Recital Challenge returns on Thursday 15th August, when five top pipers each perform a recital of their favourite tunes. Going head to head at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall’s Strathclyde Suite will be Callum Beaumont, Alex Gandy, Matt MacIsaac, Angus MacColl and 2023 champion Stuart Liddell.
Iconic folk fusion band Croft No. Five will get the weekend started in spectacular style on Friday 16th August when they perform a specially created set with celebrated piper Ailis Sutherland. John Mulhearn’s The Pipe Factory will open the night with a performance that will explore the sonic possibilities of the pipes. This unique night of entertainment will take place at Saint Luke’s – a new venue for the festival this year.
The popular Street Cafe returns for 2024, running from midday each day at the National Piping Centre, McPhater Street with an array of emerging talent, international styles of bagpipes, live podcasts, pipe band practices and showcases, all free to attend.
The week will come to a fitting crescendo with The World Pipe Band Championships at the iconic Glasgow Green on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August.
This year’s ‘Worlds’ promises another fiercely-fought competition involving the very best pipe bands on the planet.
Finlay MacDonald, Artistic Director for Piping Live!, said: “We are proud and excited to be able to bring the 21st edition of Piping Live! To the city of Glasgow. We are thankful to our supporters, performers, participants and funders who have continued to support this event through some challenging times for the creative industries.
“As the popularity of piping and traditional music continues to grow and thrive, we have created a diverse, inclusive and engaging programme, showcasing the breadth and depth of the piping traditions whilst celebrating world, indigenous and modern traditional music. There are opportunities for pipers of all levels and ages, whether in competitions, at our Big Band event, or for those who fancy a go, our come and Try Sessions. You don’t have to be a piper to enjoy and take part in Piping Live!, Piping is for everyone and we look forward to bringing the sound of the pipes to the streets of Glasgow.”
Glasgow Life Chair and Glasgow City Council Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “As a UNESCO City of Music, Glasgow has a great international reputation as a fantastic destination for lovers of all types of music, and there’s certainly nowhere better to enjoy world-class piping.
“With the city hosting both the world’s biggest piping festival and the pinnacle of the global piping competitive calendar, Glasgow is looking forward to resounding with our national instrument’s very best talent in August.
“Celebrating Scotland’s culture and music and providing fantastic entertainment, Piping Live! and the Worlds are firmly established highlights of the city’s summer events programme. Attracting thousands of pipers and spectators, boosting Glasgow’s visitor economy and further enhancing its international profile, these much-loved events are extremely important to our city.
“We are therefore proud to continue our support of these outstanding piping extravaganzas, and look forward to welcoming audiences from near and far to enjoy the incredible experience the two events offer.”
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Piping events in Scotland offer the perfect fusion of both traditional and contemporary culture, evoking a deep sense of pride for both locals and enthusiasts worldwide. They play an important role in our communities, enabling us all to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences.”
“Both Piping Live! and The World Pipe Band Championships offer incredible displays of talent, skill and expression, drawing pipers and audiences from far and wide. Glasgow’s renowned warm welcome and vibrant venues provide the perfect stage for two of the city’s most cherished summer events, and further strengthen Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination.”
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Chief Executive, Colin Mulhern, said: “Last year’s spectacular World Pipe Band Championships, which attracted a fantastic attendance from bands from almost every corner of the globe as well as spectators from near and far, demonstrated just how much this iconic event means to the international piping community, and how much interest there is in the music of Scotland’s national instrument.
“This year’s ‘Worlds’ promises another superb showcase of piping and drumming, and – judging from the number and very strong contingent of bands already signed up – we can look forward to an incredible, hard-fought contest. We’re expecting a tremendous turn-out at Glasgow Green on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August, so are urging everyone planning to attend not to delay in booking their tickets so they don’t miss out on a truly unforgettable experience.”
Piping Live! 2024 takes place from Saturday 10th - Sunday 18th August. Tickets and more information is available at www.pipinglive.co.uk
The World Pipe Band Championships take place on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th August. General tickets for The World Pipe Band Championships 2024 are available from www.theworlds.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Hop along to Dobbies this Easter
Dobbies Garden Centres is welcoming families and four-legged friends to hop along and get set for spring at its brand-new Easter-themed events, taking place across the UK.
READ MORE
Cultural renaissance continues in Govan as festival reveals 2025 programme
One of the world's most affordable music festivals, Govan Music Festival, has unveiled the programme for its fourth annual edition, taking place from 26th - 29th March 2025!
READ MORE
Gaelic arts and culture in Glasgow are set to be supported and strengthened by plan to promote participation and enable engagement
A new plan has been introduced by Glasgow Life to safeguard, strengthen and celebrate Gaelic language, arts, music and culture in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Birds to launch in partnership with Phillies of Shawlands this March
Glasgow's food scene is about to welcome an exciting new player as award-winning burger chef announces exciting new fried chicken venture, Birds!
READ MORE
Flight Club Glasgow launches NEW Margarita Menu ahead of National Margarita Day
The Glasgow cocktail bar and Social Darts experience is paying homage to the tequila-based cocktail for an entire month with its new limited-edition menu.
READ MORE
Thousands of preloved books for children to find new homes through Asda instore donation points in Scotland
The initiative enables customers across the UK to donate pre-loved children's books in-store, for onward gifting to families with fewer books of their own.
READ MORE
Five reasons to visit the hottest new public house in Glasgow, The Noble
The Noble is set to open in Glasgow's city centre on 19th of February at 8am with booking lines now open.
READ MORE
Glasgow Club celebrates 25 years of spreading love for health, fitness and community as it marks its anniversary on Valentines Day
Scotland's largest network of health and fitness centres, Glasgow Club – which is operated by Glasgow Life – celebrates its 25th anniversary on Valentine's Day.
READ MORE
Cineworld is the best place to enjoy both new Captain America and Bridget Jones movies
Set to be this year’s Barbenheimer, the two hotly anticipated films will be shown across a range of formats at Cineworld, where spectacular offers and merch will make your date night unforgettable.
READ MORE
Marstons is going marmalade mad in celebration of Paddington in Peru
To celebrate the Home Release of Paddington in Peru, Marston's has created a limited-edition marmalade-inspired children's menu, which will be available in over 250 Marston's pubs nationwide!
READ MORE
Scots charity calls on young Scottish poets for national campaign
Communities across Scotland are being invited to make a visible show of support for LGBTQ+ young people this Purple Friday.
READ MORE
From Barra to Buenos Aires: Worldwide Gaelic celebration just around the corner
The Gaelic language is set to be celebrated around the world in less than two weeks' time as Seachdain na Gàidhlig, World Gaelic Week, gets set to return from 24th February - 2nd March.
READ MORE
The Rocky Horror Show tour smashes records
The Rocky Horror Show has once again cemented its status as a cultural phenomenon, with the 2024/2025 tour being the most successful ever staged in the show's 50+ year history!
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries awards further funding to Glasgow causes in ongoing community scheme
Three local causes and community initiatives have received financial support from Glasgow shopping centre Buchanan Galleries to help them continue to make a difference.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announces judging panel for Sir Billy Connolly award and first Gala line up
Glasgow International Comedy Festival have revealed 2025's judging panel for the Sir Billy Connolly Spirit of Glasgow Award, plus announced the first names for this year's Comedy Gala!
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals another nine acts for Glasgow Green 2025
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has today announced more acts taking to the stage at this summer's Glasgow Green extravaganza!
READ MORE
Brides hit the runway as Scottish Wedding Show prepares for take off
The Scottish Wedding Show, is preparing for take-off and getting ready to welcome thousands of engaged couples to the SEC, Glasgow from 22-23 February to help them plan their wedding!
READ MORE
Singer championed by Eddie Vedder announced as Roger Daltrey tour special guest
Legendary rock singer Roger Daltrey has announced Linka Moja as the special guest who will be joining him on his UK tour in April and May.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort shoppers donate nearly 4,000 gifts to support FARE Scotland annual toy appeal
Easterhouse charity, FARE Scotland, has revealed the number of donations collected from Glasgow Fort as part of its annual toy appeal.
READ MORE
First Bus is calling on people in Glasgow to celebrate their mums in a unique way
Offering a gift like no other, mums could see their faces displayed across the cities on the side of the First Bus fleet!
READ MORE
Hostelling Scotland launches appeal for Gen Z board members to help put the youth back into hostelling
THE organisation behind one of Scotland's most historic travel traditions is calling for young people to join its board as it seeks to capitalise on a surge in interest amongst Gen Z travellers.
READ MORE
The Scottish Caravan, Motorhome and Holiday Home Show returns to Glasgow
Here's everything you need to know about the biggest show of its kind in Scotland!
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce Janey Godley tribute show featuring Elaine C Smith, Susie McCabe and more
Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF) has announced a special tribute show for comedian Janey Godley, 'An Afternoon for Janey', which will raise funds for two charities.
READ MORE
Stellar line up of leaders unite to influence a better future of work in Scotland
Award winning authors, a former SAS soldier, along with HR leaders from Scotland’s top employers are among the speakers for the CIPD Scotland Annual Conference, 2025.
READ MORE
An Evening with Sir Chris Hoy, live in Glasgow this March
Don't miss this rare opportunity to spend an evening with Sir Chris Hoy, one of Great Britain's most celebrated sporting legends.
READ MORE
Bonjour, burger lovers... love is in the air!
Fat Hippo gets frisky with 'Le French Kiss' this Valentine's Day!
READ MORE
Brand new experience to celebrate Mothers Day at Dobbies
This March, Dobbies Garden Centres is offering a new hands-on Mother's Day experience, combining a luxury Afternoon Tea with a seasonal planting workshop.
READ MORE
Wonder Fools bring their new production, The Kelton Hill Fair, to the Tron Theatre Glasgow
After an incredible sold out and award-winning run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024, Wonder Fools are delighted to bring their brand new show The Kelton Hill Fair to Glasgow.
READ MORE
El Perro Negro turns up the heat for Valentines with Vault City Brewing
Forget the candlelit dinners and awkward fancy meals this Valentine's Day, El Perro Negro and Vault City Brewing are bringing the heat, flavor, and fizz to burger lovers across Glasgow.
READ MORE
Fayre Play spreads the love with free tickets across Glasgow
Glasgow's favourite fairground-themed night out, Fayre Play, are sharing the love this Valentine’s season with an exciting giveaway across the city.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links