30,000 flock to World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green

And for Northern Ireland's Field Marshall Montgomery Pipe Band it was three in a row as they were again crowned world champion.

Around 30,000 people turned up to watch the competition which this year was held over two days for the first time.

A total of 225 bands made up of 8000 pipers and drummers travelled from around the world to battle it out for the coveted prizes.

The competition, known as The Worlds, ended when they came together for a dramatic march past before the world champions were presented with the top award.

People in 150 countries worldwide, including the Maldives, Angola and Ethiopia, were able to watch the competition unfold thanks to Internet coverage.

Ian Embleton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "Every year, the standard of competition is so high but this year we have seen something extra special.

"The two day event allow us to drive the already very high standard to new heights and we will look forward to welcoming bands back to Glasgow Green next year for another unforgettable experience."

Archie Graham, chieftain of the World Pipe Band Championships, said The Worlds had become a cornerstone of the city's cultural calendar.

He added: "I have always believed Glasgow Green is never better than when the bands are here competing and we have enjoyed some sensational performances.

"Next year, the event will be held just after the Commonwealth Games which will generate even more global interest."

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said the competition reinforced the city's position at the epicentre of global piping.

He added: "Once again, Glasgow Green provided an ideal backdrop to the action with enthusiastic crowds and thousands of pipers and drummers from hundreds of bands creating a thrilling spectacle over the two days of competition.

"Glasgow enjoys an enviable reputation for attracting and staging world class events and given the success of this year's World Pipe Band Championship, it is easy to see why event organisers choose to return here time and again.

"The sights and sounds of The Worlds live long in the memory and I am already looking forward to an unforgettable event in 2014 when all eyes will be on the city."

Paul Bush, chief operating officer for EventScotland, said: "2013 has been another hugely successful year for Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band Championships with Glasgow attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

"Scotland is the perfect stage for events and following this wonderful celebration of piping, thoughts will already be turning towards 2014 when Scotland will welcome the world once again."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk