World Pipeband Championships

Haven't been to the championships, but I've heard a lot of pipes in Scotland! Most towns have pipe bands and they march and play in the summer. I'm sure it's great and I hope you hear from someone with direct experience.

Pam

I haven't been either, so I'm no help, but I love bagpipes too and I would jump at the chance to go to the championships. They must all be the best of the best to even be in it, and for me, it would be worth the travel there to experience it. Now I'm envious! If you go, please write a Trip Report and let us know!

I'm glad there is some interest in this. And yes, I'll write a review of it for all bagpipe lovers. Youtube has some great video of it from last year and it does sound great; although not in the category of the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh which showcases other music as well, however for bagpipe lovers it's solid bagpipes. Can't wait.

The festival was just beginning when I was in Glasgow last August. There were bands and individuals all over the streets, and many events going on all over town. Most of them are also free. Next year's festival is August 11-17. I would love to have stayed for the end of the festival, but couldn't do it this time. I definitely plan to get back there to experience the whole thing in the future!

Clearly, you need to go. :)

Pam

I haven't been to the World Pipe Band Championships, but I am in a Pipe and Drum Band I. Seattle called the Keith Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band. The band will be competing in 2015. I watches the live performances streaming from the BBC for the 2013 championships, which amounted to the equivalents to 2 all-nighters! The event is outstanding and the bands were incredible. It would be something to see! If you are into Pipe and Drum Bands, this is the Creme de la Creme of the very best bands in the world. 2 bands from the Vancouver, the Simon Fraser University Pipe and Drum Bamd and he Dowco Triumph Street Pipe and Drum Band are both Class 1 Bands and have competed every year. They rank among the top 10 bands in the World, with Simon Fraser winning the event several times.
The present winner, the Field Marshall Montfomery Pipe and Drum Band, from Belfast, Northern Island, is a 9 times winner of the World's. It's an event like no other and not to be missed!

The only thing that would top this, if you're into bagpipes, pipe and drum bands, and military regalia would be the Trooping The Colour Parade in London celebrating the Queen's Birthday! I've seen it several times and never ceases to give me pure unadulterated goosebumps!

Larry Thompson
Saint Louis

I haven't been to the World Pipe Band Championships, but I am in a Pipe and Drum Band in Seattle called the Keith Highlanders Pipe and Drum Band. The band will be competing in 2015.

I watched the live performances streaming from the BBC for the 2013 championships, which amounted to the equivalents to 2 all-nighters! The event is outstanding and the bands were incredible. It would be something to see! If you are into Pipe and Drum Bands, this is the Creme de la Creme of the very best bands in the world. 2 bands from the Vancouver, the Simon Fraser University Pipe and Drum Bamd and he Dowco Triumph Street Pipe and Drum Band are both Class 1 Bands and have competed every year. They rank among the top 10 bands in the World, with Simon Fraser winning the event several times.
The present winner, the Field Marshall Montfomery Pipe and Drum Band, from Belfast, Northern Island, is a 9 times winner of the World's. It's an event like no other and not to be missed!

The only thing that would top this, if you're into bagpipes, pipe and drum bands, and military regalia would be the Trooping The Colour Parade in London celebrating the Queen's Birthday! I've seen it several times and never ceases to give me pure unadulterated goosebumps! If you can, do both!

Larry Thompson
A kilt wearing Scots-Irishman
Saint Louis