Glasgow comes alive with the sound of pipes

Last week (Sunday 10 - Sunday 18 August), the world-renowned Piping Live! festival took place in Glasgow, attracting thousands of spectators to the city.

Back for its 21st edition, the country's biggest week of bagpiping was back once again, bringing the sound of Scotland to the UNESCO City of Music.

Record numbers of spectators joined in the celebrations and were treated to musicians and performers from around the world creating an electric atmosphere across the city.

Also taking place was the World Pipe Band Championships. The prestigious international competition is the pinnacle of the pipe band competition calendar.

Piper performing in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. © John Slavin/DesignFolk Ltd

Piping Live! back for its 21st edition

Glasgow's beloved Piping Live! festival welcomed over 30,000 attendees across 150 events involving more than 700 musicians and participants.

The jam-packed programme of events included lively concerts, captivating recitals, engaging workshops, hard-fought competitions and the Big Band showcase, which saw a record number of 170 pipers and drummers lining Glasgow's West End streets.

Taking place in the lead up to the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green, Piping Live!’s 2024 edition showcased performers from 10 countries across the world – from Sweden and Germany to Australia and Hong Kong – across 10 outdoor and indoor venues including Saint Luke’s, Waxy O’Connors and Nice N Sleazy.

Recognised as the world’s largest festival, Piping Live! transforms Glasgow’s landmarks and venues into stages for homegrown talent and international artists alike. The unmistakable sound of Scotland rang out across the city for its nine days, creating an electric atmosphere and delighting crowds in the process.

Pipers on Buchanan Street, Glasgow

Pipers performing on Buchanan Street. © John Slavin/DesignFolk Ltd

Argyll band crowned champions

The World Pipe Band Championships is a highlight of the piping calendar and this year saw over 204 bands from 13 countries taking part, with more than 7,000 pipers and drummers taking to the field to compete in the ultimate battle of the bands.

The biggest contingent – 119 bands – was from Scotland, the second largest – with 25 bands – was from Northern Ireland, and the third largest national representation was from the USA, which entered 18 bands.

The line-up of nations competing also included countries as far afield as Australia, Oman and Hong Kong – which took part in the championships for the first time.

This year's winner was Inveraray & District Pipe Band, who took the coveted title after seeing off stiff competition. It is the third time that Inveraray & District has been crowned World Champions, having previously lifted the trophy in 2017 and 2019. This summer has proved a winning season for the Argyll and Bute band as it also took the top prize at the Scottish Pipe Band Championships, held in July in Dumbarton.

A much-loved event that’s hugely popular with spectators from near and far, the contest always attracts thousands of visitors to Glasgow Green to experience the stirring sights and sounds, and memorable atmosphere, of the event. Attendance at this year’s premier pipes and drums showcase was around 35,000. Audiences all over the world were also able to view it thanks to live streaming by the BBC. Friday's recording of the livestream is still available - watch it on the world's website.