World Pipe Band championship

World Pipe Band Championships -August
The event, organised by Glasgow City Council and the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association has been associated with the city since 1948.
World Pipe Band Championships 2004
The people of Glasgow had the chance on Saturday 14 August 2004 at Glasgow Green to catch some of the finest pipe bands from across the world as they muster to take part in the ultimate ‘Battle of the Bands’ – the World Pipe Band Championships.
Councillor Alex Mosson, the Council Events spokesperson said at the launch of this year’s Championships: “Glasgow is delighted to welcome back the pipe bands from Britain and around the globe to take part in this spectacular event.
This event is the highlight of the piping calendar. Its a fantastic competition that gives us the opportunity to promote Glasgow internationally and a chance for everyone to experience magnificent music on the Green.” Ian Embleton, Chief Executive from RSPBA said: “ we are expecting in the region of 250 bands worldwide and that as we head towards our 75th Anniversary in 2005 the event will be developed to an even bigger spectacle,” New for 2004, this year’s Championships includes the European Highland Games Heavy Events Championship.
The world’s strongest men compete at traditional Highland Games events such as the stone putt, Scottish hammer, tossing the caber and the ‘De’il tak the Hindmost’ kilted race! Other attractions include Highland Dancing, Craft Fair, Special Displays, Children’s Activities and the Drum Major Competition.
2004 Ticket prices were: - Adult £6.00 Concession £3.00 Family (two adults, two children) £15.00 Grade 1 Arena £17.50 The ticket hotline number was 0141 564 1645 with counter sales from the SECC and St Enoch Centre in Glasgow.

The result:

I wasn't able to attend this years pipe band championship however I can tell you the weather on Saturday was fantastic and record crowds turned out. The winners were the Field Marshal Montgomery Band from Northern Ireland, its the fourth time in twelve years that they have won the coveted grade one title. Second was Simon Fraser University from Canada and last years winners Shotts & Dykehead were third.

Aug. 2003 World Pipe Band Championships
.......... for the 2003 event at least 40,000 spectators thronged to Glasgow Green where fifty-four bands representing thirteen countries competed with Scottish band House of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead taking the coveted Champions title.
I went along to the Championships and I had a great time, here are some of the photos I took for my Glesga Pals

2003

boy piper caught by the
webmaister practicing!