Pipers launch festival programme

Pipers from different countries helped launch the festivals in Glasgow

Details of two prestigious piping events being held in Glasgow in the summer have been unveiled.

More than £50,000 people are expected to attend the Piping Live! festival and the World Pipe Band Championships taking place in the city in August.

Platinum selling band the Red Hot Chilli Pipers will take to the stage for the opening concert.

Musicians and bands from 16 countries around the world will travel to Scotland to take part.

Free displays will also be held in George Square during the six-day long programme of events which begins on 10 August.

The festival and championships are being supported by Homecoming Scotland 2009.

We have no doubt that this year the competition will be fierce and the entertainment spectacular Ian Embelton RSPBA

Roddy McLeod, director of Piping Live!, said: "Glasgow is a hub of musical talent and Piping Live! is a great opportunity to experience the best names in traditional music and everything from the pipes to fiddles to a bit of rock 'n' roll and dancing.

"I would encourage people from across the UK to come and enjoy a couple of days at both events and to take advantage of the free events in George Square daily which make a great day out during the summer holidays".

Ian Embelton, the chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA), said: "There's little that can match the sight and sound of 8,000 pipers and drummers assembled on Glasgow Green as they battle it out to be crowned world champions.

"We have no doubt that this year the competition will be fierce and the entertainment spectacular."