A Glasgow music festival is celebrating after breaking a record during the world-renowned event.
The Piping Live! festival marked one of its most popular editions to date at the weekend with over 30,000 attendees across 150 events.
This involved more than 700 musicians which included a record number of 170 pipers and drummers lining Glasgow’s West End streets.
The jam-packed programme of events enjoyed concerts, recitals, workshops, hard-fought competitions and the sensational Big Band showcase.
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Scotland’s biggest week of bagpiping officially came to a close last night rounding off its 21st edition in the city with the Sunday Survivor Session at the National Piping Centre.
Taking place in the lead up to the World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green, Piping Live!’s 2024 edition showcased performers from 10 countries across the world.
Recognised as the world’s largest festival, Piping Live! transforms Glasgow’s landmarks and venues into stages for homegrown talent and international artists alike.
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Finlay MacDonald, Artistic Director for Piping Live!, said: “A huge thank you to everyone who has made this year’s Piping Live! festival a resounding success – from the incredibly talented performers to the dedicated organisers and volunteers, our sponsors and funders, and everyone who attended the events, we are so grateful for your support in making the 21st edition of Piping Live! one of our most popular and well-attended festivals to date.
“We’re delighted that a record number of 170 pipers and drummers joined the Big Band parade this year, showcasing their enthusiasm and passion for the national instrument and celebrating Scotland’s rich musical heritage.
"To welcome 30,000 attendees across the festival and host musicians from across the world, filling Glasgow’s streets and venues with the sounds of piping, was extremely heartening.
“We look forward to building on the success of our 21st event with future editions of Piping Live! as we continue to fulfil our mission to enrich lives through piping, champion Scotland’s cultural prowess and show that piping and drumming is open to everyone.”
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Glasgow Life Chair, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Piping Live! has enjoyed a fantastic 21st edition and been a great success.
"Spanning contemporary and traditional music, this year’s dynamic and diverse programme of entertaining events really offered something for everyone, so was extremely well received by a wide range of audiences.
"The great attendance at the festival, and also at the 2024 World Pipe Band Championships on Friday and Saturday, demonstrate how much interest and enthusiasm there is for the stirring and versatile sounds of our national instrument.
"These two outstanding international events attract thousands of visitors to Glasgow, a UNESCO City of Music, enhancing its cultural reputation and boosting tourism, so we are delighted and proud to host them.”
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Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “Piping is a quintessential part of Scotland’s identity and Piping Live! is a fantastic week-long celebration of one of our most unique instruments and sounds.
“Events play an important role in our communities, providing the perfect stage to come together and share memorable experiences.
"EventScotland is proud to have supported Piping Live!, which has welcomed visitors and performers from around the world to enjoy the event’s exciting programme of performances and competitions.
"Congratulations to the organisers and all the volunteers on the successful delivery of the 21st edition of Piping Live!.”
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