THE Glasgow-based World Pipe Band Championships are set to welcome almost 200 bands to the city when it takes place next weekend. 

The Worlds are being held on August 16 and 17 at Glasgow Green when up to 8,000 pipers and drummers from 13 countries will compete for the ultimate prize.

The nations represented including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Austria, Switzerland, Eire, USA, Belgium, England, Spain, Malaysia, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Glasgow first hosted the World Pipe Band Championships in 1948 and has been the host city for the event every year since 1986.

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Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association said: “Year after year, Pipe Bands across the world head to Glasgow and the World Pipe Band Championships knowing they face the ultimate test of their skill.

"The competitions are of the highest quality with bands constantly finding the smallest improvements in the pursuit of a perfect performance.

"It all adds up to a thrilling competition that builds to an incredible conclusion on Saturday evening when the World Champions are crowned.”

The World Pipe Band Championships are the pinnacle of competitive Pipe Band competition and are organised on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association by the City of Glasgow.

Tickets for the World Pipe Band Championships, are on sale with some categories already sold out. Seats for the finale of the Grade 1 competition which will decide which band will be World Champions are currently available but often sell out in advance.

The current World Champions are Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Northern Ireland.

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Glasgow’s Lord Provost Eva Bolander said: “It is always a pleasure to welcome so many bands to Glasgow from around the world and to see and hear them play their hearts out on Glasgow Green.

"The individual skills being utilised in a band is one of the finest examples of team competition in the world and the musical talent on display at the World Pipe Band Championships is simply breathtaking.

"You will never forget a day at the Worlds spent in the company of such brilliant performers.”

The World Pipe Band Championships are held in Glasgow at the same time as the city hosts Piping Live! Both events are supported by Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council and EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

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Piping Live! returns to Glasgow on August 10 with headliners featuring Dougie MacLean, Tryst, Dàimh and Lúnasa, among others.

Now in its 16th year, Piping Live! is the biggest festival of its kind, attracting over 40,000 music fans, families and tourists from all around the globe to watch more than 5,000 pipers perform at 150 events across the city. 

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “The World Pipe Band Championships is the pinnacle of the piping calendar, and we’re delighted to welcome the best pipers and drummers from around the world to Scotland for this spectacular event.

"Events play a key role in our visitor economy and EventScotland is delighted to be continuing its support of the Championships in 2019."