Piping Live! festival and World Pipe Band Championships have officially launched for 2025!
Glasgow will hit the high notes this August as Scotland, the global home of piping, looks forward to the world's biggest week of bagpipes with the return of two iconic events!
Article Source: Piping Live!
Last Updated: 16 May 2025 13:59
Glasgow is preparing to host the world’s biggest week of bagpipes this summer, with the return of Piping Live! from Monday 11th to Sunday 17th August, and The World Pipe Band Championships on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August. Renowned as a UNESCO City of Music, the city is tuning up for the events that attract attendees and participants from across the globe.
The world’s biggest piping festival, Piping Live! – which is organised by The National Piping Centre and is now in its 22nd year – attracts over 30,000 attendees annually to Glasgow for an eclectic programme of entertaining events at venues across the city to celebrate the contemporary and traditional sounds of Scotland’s national instrument.
This year, organisers are proud to unveil a show-stopping reimagined outdoor ticketed space at their home on McPhater Street, complete with a Centre Stage, The Bothy (an acoustic tent) and other exciting new additions to the already hugely successful event that shines a global spotlight on Scotland.
Piping Live! Artistic Director, Finlay MacDonald, said: “We are very proud and delighted to present this year’s edition of Piping Live! to the people of Glasgow and beyond. Thanks to the supporters, funders, performers, participants and attendees who continue to invest their time into our festival, we can continue building on our diverse, inclusive and engaging programme that showcases the breadth and depth of piping traditions and contemporary influences.
“This year, we are so looking forward to festival goers and performers experiencing our enchanting and newly-imagined festival site at McPhater Street. Expanding upon our popular Street Café, we know this new investment will allow us to bring an even wider variety of talent to Glasgow: with an array of emerging talent, international performers, live events and showcases planned for the festival’s run.
“There are opportunities for pipers and spectators of all levels and ages – from ‘come and try’ sessions, high-level competitions, enjoying street performances or at our Big Band event – you don’t have to be a piper to enjoy the wonders of Piping Live! The countdown is now on to August for when the city will be awash with the sounds of pipes and host to performers from every corner of the world.”
Meanwhile, The World Pipe Band Championships – organised by The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association and delivered by the city’s culture and sport charity Glasgow Life – is an iconic event the city first hosted in 1948 and has staged every year since 1986. As the pinnacle highlight of the international competitive pipe band calendar, it attracts thousands of spectators from near and far every year to watch the world’s best talent compete in the ultimate ‘battle of the bands’.
Presale tickets for Piping Live! will be available from noon on Thursday 15th May to the Piping Live! mailing list, with general tickets on sale from 10am, Monday 19th May at www.pipinglive.co.uk – where more information on the festival is available.
General tickets for The World Pipe Band Championships 2025 go on sale at 10am on Thursday 15th May and are available at www.theworlds.co.uk and more details on the event are available at the site. (Grade 1 tickets will be released at a later date.)
Glasgow City Council Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Scotland is renowned as the global home of piping, and Glasgow’s reputation as a fantastic destination for music lovers is also recognised widely by its designation as a UNESCO City of Music. And with the city hosting both the world’s biggest piping festival and the premier competitive pipe band event – there’s definitely nowhere better to enjoy world-class piping than Glasgow in August during the city’s 850th birthday year.
“Offering great entertainment and memorable experiences celebrating our nation’s culture, heritage and music, Piping Live! the World Pipe Band Championships are much-loved highlights of our city’s cultural programme. Both events are very valued by Glasgow; they make a significant contribution to our visitor economy, attracting many thousands of pipers and spectators, as well as the attention of the world’s media, to further enhance the city’s profile. It’s a pleasure and privilege for Glasgow to host these incredible piping extravaganzas, and we look forward to welcoming attendees from near and far this summer.”
This year’s Piping Live! festival, which aims to be a celebration of diversity and culture in piping, is delighted to be welcoming pipers and performers from all walks of life to participate in its dynamic programme.
Across its seven-day run, it will offer everything from fierce competitions between globally recognised musicians, to captivating concerts, reel-y enchanting recitals and more – with musicians from Australia to Ukraine and everywhere in between, showcasing their talent and skills in the captivating offering of free and ticketed events - before the week comes to a fitting crescendo with The World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green.
The World Pipe Band Championships – a much-loved event that’s hugely popular with competitors, supporters and spectators alike – always attracts thousands of visitors to Glasgow to experience the stirring sights and sounds, and memorable atmosphere, of the event. Attendance at last year’s premier pipes and drums showcase reached around 35,000 – with huge viewing figures online too – watching an impressive line-up of nations competing. That included countries as far afield as Australia, Oman and Hong Kong; the biggest contingent of bands (119) was from Scotland, the second largest was from Northern Ireland, and the third largest was from the USA.
Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Chief Executive, Colin Mulhern, said: “The World Pipe Band Championships is an iconic event that is incredibly important to the global piping community. Bringing together in Glasgow the very best bands in the world, it’s always spectacular and an unforgettable experience for competitors and spectators alike.
“Last year’s Worlds saw 204 bands from 13 countries taking part, and more than 7,000 pipers and drummers taking to the field at Glasgow Green to compete in the ultimate ‘battle of the bands’.
“We can certainly expect another wonderful showcase of piping and drumming at this year’s event on 15 and 16 August, with a hard-fought contest for all of the categories and of course, the title of this year’s world champions. As always, tickets will be in great demand, so we’d encourage everyone planning to come along to book their tickets as soon as possible.”
Director of Industry and Events at VisitScotland, Rob Dickson, added: “Glasgow’s renowned warm welcome always sets the scene and offers the perfect stage for two of Scotland’s most valued events celebrating the music of our national instrument and the country’s rich heritage.
“Piping Live! and The World Pipe Band Championships not only showcase incredible displays of skill and talent, bringing together the very best pipers from around the world to provide spectacular entertainment, but they also attract visitors from near and far, boosting local businesses and fostering economic growth. These events offer a wonderful fusion of traditional and contemporary Scottish culture for all to enjoy while growing the value of Scotland’s visitor economy and strengthening Scotland’s reputation as a world-leading tourism and events destination.”
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
Guts UK, the national digestive charity, brings interactive awareness event to Glasgow
Guts UK and Colin the Colon, a giant, walk-through inflatable replica of a colon will be in Glasgow to raise vital awareness of digestive health conditions.
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Chef Modou Diagne to open new restaurant TRUST in Glasgow
Critically acclaimed chef Modou Diagne, known for his innovative approach and celebrated success at 111 by Nico, is set to open his second Glasgow restaurant this summer.
READ MORE
Poets line up for special Refugee Festival Scotland event
An inspiring event celebrating togetherness, diversity and human connection is set to be staged in Glasgow this week as part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025.
READ MORE
Soulful start for Glasgow Jazz Festival
The 39th edition of Glasgow Jazz Festival gets off to a soulful start today as it opens at venues across the city, officially kicking off five extraordinary days of music.
READ MORE
Aldi Supermarket Sweep is coming to Glasgow
Aldi Scotland’s Supermarket Sweep challenge is back again for another year, giving customers in Glasgow the chance to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
READ MORE
Casting Announced for FRIENDS! The Musical Parody coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow
Today, the producers of the 2025/26 UK and Ireland tour of FRIENDS! The Musical Parody are delighted to announce casting for the side-splitting musical comedy.
READ MORE
First Scottish Shopera experience comes to Glasgow
Buchanan Galleries is opening its doors to the world of opera, hosting Scotland's first-ever 'shopera' – a student-created bold and original production staged in a shopping centre.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
Over 1,000 yogis set to downward dog at Emirates Arena for largest event of its kind
Over 1,000 yoga enthusiasts will be namaste-ing at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow this Saturday as part of a World Yoga Day event with renowned PYPT practitioner, Sadhvi Devaditi.
READ MORE
Global fashion retail brand Hollister now open at Silverburn
Leading retail and leisure destination Silverburn has announced that global fashion retailer Hollister has opened its doors today, joining its line-up of leading fashion brands this summer.
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Unique displays set to tour Glasgow during its momentous 850th anniversary year
As part of the Glasgow 850 programme, two special displays celebrating Glasgow's development through the centuries and rich social history are about to go on a citywide tour.
READ MORE
Nine works by eminent Scottish artist Alasdair Gray go on display in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Nine works from the significant collection will be on show for the first time, in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, from Saturday 14th June.
READ MORE
Justin Fletcher announces final tour dates as his brand new rocktastic live theatre show extends into 2026!
CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.
READ MORE
Double the Cheers: VEGA Unveils Fathers Day x National Beer Day Experience
With Father's Day and National Beer Day falling on the same date, VEGA at YOTEL Glasgow is serving up the ultimate experience for dads, blending both celebrations into one amazing offer.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Adele Anderson to star in UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Fascinating Aïda's Adèle Anderson will play the role of Bernadette in the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert coming to Edinburgh and Glasgow in 2026.
READ MORE
This activity bar is the ideal way to celebrate Fathers Day
If you're trying to think of something more than socks and slippers to treat your dad to this Father’s Day, an activity bar like Flight Club is a great option.
READ MORE
Glasgow, your ultimate beauty destination has arrived
Today H Beauty opens its doors at Silverburn unveiling a next level beauty experience in the west of Scotland.
READ MORE
North at Address Glasgow launches fresh summer menu, seasonal cocktails & weekend brunch
The Address Glasgow has unveiled an all-new summer offering at its signature restaurant, NORTH, featuring bold seasonal flavours, expertly crafted cocktails, and a new weekend brunch menu!
READ MORE
Raise the steaks for dad
A popular Scottish beer brand is serving up the ultimate rare treat this Father's Day!
READ MORE
Saturday walking tours start at Rickshaw & Co.
Vibrant award-wining Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant Rickshaw & Co. is proud to be featured in Stories Behind Glasgow's Hospitality, part of the city's 850th anniversary celebrations.
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Books and Beats: Fundraising book launch for Elephant by Gillian Shirreffs in aid of Beatson Cancer Charity
A not-to-be-missed literary afternoon celebrating the power of words, music and community will take place on Saturday 14th June at Glasgow University Union.
READ MORE
Buchanan Galleries partners with charities to launch initiative in support of improving mens health
Buchanan Galleries, has partnered with five health charities and services for a weeklong initiative aimed at supporting men in Glasgow to improve their health and mental wellbeing.
READ MORE
Glasgow 850 volunteers contribute 350 hours to city celebration
Dedicated Glasgow 850 volunteers have officially surpassed 350 hours of volunteering and engagement activities throughout the city in 2025, it has been announced.
READ MORE
Maison by Glaschu brings summer to Princes Square with free ice cream and unlimited steak frites
One of Glasgow's chicest restaurants and bars, Maison by Glaschu is kicking off summer with a week-long ice cream cart pop-up and a Bastille Day bottomless steak frites special.
READ MORE
Caorunn Gin paints Glasgow red ahead of World Gin Day!
Enjoy a complimentary G&T at Glasgow's iconic Òran Mór venue on Saturday 14th June!
READ MORE
Spinning around in style... VEGA offers Kylie fans 4 hour room package to get gig ready
Kylie Minogue is coming to Glasgow tomorrow and VEGA at YOTEL is helping fans get disco-ready before the first note even drops!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links