Inveraray & District Pipe Band take the title of 2024 World Pipe Band Champions

This year’s World Pipe Band Champions have been crowned after a spectacular finale of the renowned international contest in Glasgow.

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 19 August 2024 9:58

Inveraray & District Pipe Band took the coveted title after seeing off stiff competition from runners-up Field Marshal Montgomery of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, and Simon Fraser University (Canada) who finished third.

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.

The prestigious international championships, which are the pinnacle of the pipe band competition calendar, were held on Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August at Glasgow Green.

With 204 bands from 13 countries taking part in the 2024 ‘Worlds’, more than 7,000 pipers and drummers took 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.

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 and via the www.theworlds.co.uk

Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, has a long association with the World Pipe Band Championships, having first hosted them back in 1948, and staging every edition of the event since 1986.

Every year, the Worlds culminates in an impressive spectacle when all of the competing bands march into the arena and past the Chieftain of the Worlds to assemble on the field and play ‘Scotland The Brave’ together, before the presentation of well over 100 trophies across the various contest grades, and the final announcement of the new World Champions.

The event is delivered by culture and sport charity Glasgow Life on behalf of The Royal Pipe Band Association with support from EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, Chieftain of The World Pipe Band Championships, said: “Glasgow is very proud of its long association with the Worlds, and privileged to host an annual event which not only has such significance to the global pipe band community but is also an important celebration of Scotland’s culture and heritage. The championships are immensely valued; they enhance the city’s international reputation as an outstanding events destination, boost tourism, and contribute greatly to our local economy.

“We are grateful to The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association for continuing to trust us to stage its flagship contest, and Event Scotland for its support of the event. Our thanks also go to every one of the incredibly talented musicians who have gathered on Glasgow Green to treat our audiences to an incredible display of their skills, and to everyone who joined us to support this year’s thrilling championships. And our congratulations go to the 2024 World Champions, Inveraray & District Pipe Band.”

Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “Competition for this year’s Worlds was incredibly close, and our top Grade 1 bands battling for the ultimate title of World Champions had a fiercely-fought contest. They, and all of our competitors this year, did themselves, their bands, and their countries proud. And Inveraray & District are very worthy winners; their achievement in securing the 2024 World Champions title was outstanding and they deserve huge congratulations.

“It was fantastic to have so many great bands, from so many countries, taking part in this year’s Worlds – and of course, so many supporters and spectators coming together for this year’s championships. That’s a clear indication of the level of talent that’s thriving in the international pipe band community, and the passion of musicians the world over. It also demonstrates the strength of global interest there is in the championships, and in the traditional music and culture of Scotland.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “The World Pipe Band Championships is the pinnacle of the piping calendar, and it was fantastic to see more than 7,000 drummers and pipers from around the world travelling to take part in this global event.

“Glasgow Green once again provided the perfect stage for a truly memorable and competitive competition. Well done to all the bands who took part and congratulations to Inveraray & District Pipe Band on being crowned 2024 World Pipe Band Champions.

“EventScotland is proud to support the World Pipe Band Championships through our International Programme. It is part of an enviable portfolio of events that showcase and reinforce Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination.”

Highlights from this year’s World Pipe Band Championships will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Friday 23 August at 8pm, and there will be another chance to watch the programme on Saturday 24 August at 3pm.

Next year’s World Pipe Band Championships will be held on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 August 2025.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Glasgow News

First look: SiSi teases scene stealing mural and striking skyline views with opening on the horizon

SíSí Rooftop, a new restaurant and bar, has unveiled a first look inside its stunning eighth-floor space ahead of its opening in Glasgow's Merchant City on Friday, 1 August.

Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.

Glastonbury Stars heading for Milngavie Street Party

Iconic drum and base duo Fabio and Grooverider, actor and DJ Craig Charles and Mercury Music Prize nominees Corto Alto will all be performing at the biggest Milngavie Street Party yet!

Bringing American southern soul to the Southside of Glasgow... Birds launches Brunch

'Brunch at Birds' will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am–3pm, bringing a dose of laid-back, American-style indulgence to the Southside.

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.

Can you fling a piece oot a 20 storey flat... this Glasgow business wants to find out

To mark its 150th anniversary, Dunns Food and Drinks is launching The Great Dunns Piece Fling, a search for a high-rise flat to test the lyric 'ye cannae fling pieces oot a twenty-storey flat'!

Summer offers from the Kings and Theatre Royal Glasgow

ATG Entertainment launches their Summer Saver campaign with discounted tickets to over 100 shows including several at the King's Theatre and Theatre Royal in Glasgow!

Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Tinderbox and Glasgow roaster Matthew Algie have teamed up with Beatson Cancer Charity for the second year running – and this time, the menu’s three times bigger.

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements, the celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Bearsden, has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature 4/4/4 cocktail lunch offer, now featuring a brand-new selection of cocktails.

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Horne will play the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands.

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

The state-of-the-art bowling and activity venue brings ten-pin & duck pin bowling, tech darts, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn!

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Beloved Glasgow indie House Party is back with a new model and a Pride pop-up at The Social Hub from 14–20 July!

Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

With doors set to reopen this August, the Citizens Theatre has announced its programme from January - June 2026 as part of its reopening year of productions.

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP, the cult-favourite boba tea brand known for its viral drinks and dedicated following, is opening an all-new Boba Café Kiosk in Silverburn.

Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Scotland’s multi-venue festival for music discovery, is back for 2025 with a first wave of 30+ unmissable artists including Manchester’s Pale Waves.

Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow

Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer is set to headline Pride events at The Social Hub Glasgow.

Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils

Artwork to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary was officially unveiled at Glasgow Fort last week.

Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule

Glaschu, one of Glasgow's most established fine dining restaurants, will join forces once again with acclaimed chef, Brian Maule for two nights in August.