A SCOTTISH festival has recorded a record-breaking number of pipers and drummers as it sounded the opening note on its 21st year.
The annual Piping Live! event brings the love for Scotland’s national instrument to the streets of Glasgow – running until Sunday.
More than 30,000 people are expected to flood the city, kicking off with a march taking place from Mansefield Park to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.
The Big Band’s seventh showcase was the largest ever and saw around 170 pipers, from young learners to seasoned professionals, performing alongside participants of all ages playing chanters, bagpipes, snare, bass and tenor drums.
Finlay MacDonald, artistic director for the festival, said: “One of the festival highlights, the Piping Live! Big Band showcase is such an exciting way to kickstart the festivities and celebrate Scottish culture and our national instrument in the perfect way.
“To have more pipers and drummers than ever before taking part in the parade, and raising money for a great cause in the process, is a fantastic milestone for this inclusive event.
“We are very thankful to all those joining us on Glasgow’s streets in celebration and across the week.”
Across the week, audiences will see more than 150 events across 10 venues including two new locations – Waxy O’Connor’s and Saint Luke’s – and participants from the likes of Hong Kong, Germany and Australia.
Hundreds of musicians perform at Piping Live! In the run up to the World Pipe Band Championships.
Bailie Annette Christie, the chair of Glasgow Life, which helps fund the festival alongside Event Scotland, said: “The huge popularity of both Piping Live!, and the prestigious World Pipe Band Championships at Glasgow Green on August 16 and 17, demonstrate the strength of interest, enthusiasm and passion there is globally in piping, as well as the incredible talent of players of all ages.
“Both events are incredibly important to Glasgow, a Unesco City of Music, and we are proud of their continued success and to be hosting them once again as they attract and delight visitors from near and far.”
Piping Live! festival is supporting the Glasgow-based charity, Articulate Cultural Trust, which aids young careers and marginalised young Scots to live a fulfilling lifestyle through the use of art, individuality and culture.
For tickets and more information regarding Piping Live! Festival, please visit www.pipinglive.co.uk
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