A popular piping festival has returned to Glasgow - and it promises to be unforgettable. 

Piping Live! officially kicked off today after a record number of 170 pipers and drummers from the Piping Live! Big Band marched from Mansefield Park in Partick to the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

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The festival, which is now in its 21st year, will treat over 30,000 attendees to more than 150 events across 10 outdoor and indoor venues including Waxy O’Connors and Saint Luke’s ahead of the World Pipe Band Championships on August 16 and 17. 

The 'worlds biggest bagpiping festival' will run until Sunday, August 18. 

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Finlay MacDonald, artistic director for Piping Live!, told the Glasgow Times: "Glasgow is considered to be the heart of the piping world. They say that people make Glasgow, but so does piping. 

"Every year the people of Glasgow are so welcoming and so open to the big band and all the events of Piping Live! 

"There is no place like it and this week, it is the best place in the world." 

He added: "It’s set to be an unforgettable festival." 

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

This year's Piping Live! is in support of Glasgow-based charity Articulate Cultural Trust, which helps care experienced and marginalised groups of young people access the tools they need to build a robust and fulfilled life.

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The event is supported by the William Grant Foundation, Glasgow Life, EventScotland and Creative Scotland.

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Bailie Annette Christie, Glasgow Life chair, said: “Bagpipes are synonymous with Scotland’s culture and heritage, and there’s certainly no better place or time than Glasgow during Piping Live! 

“The vibrant and packed programme in this year’s festival offers a diverse array of piping events and activities – from the Big Band parade to performances and practice sessions – that really shine a light on just how versatile the bagpipes are.

“The huge popularity of both Piping Live!, and the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green, demonstrate the strength of interest, enthusiasm and passion there is globally in piping, as well as the incredible talent of players of all ages.

"We are proud of their continued success and to be hosting them once again as they attract and delight visitors from near and far.”

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

(Image: Images by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, added: “Piping Live! brings Glasgow to life with the sound of Scotland’s national instrument and it’s fantastic to see that record numbers will be participating at the event this year.

“Communities come together around events like this and are able to create life-long memories as a result, so I am delighted that EventScotland is continuing its support of Piping Live! and I am sure that Glasgow will once again provide the perfect stage for the festivities.”