Glasgow wins bid to host World Pipe Band Championships until 2015
Published by Anne Marie Hughes on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:11
The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) has confirmed that Glasgow has won the right to host the World Pipe Band Championships for 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Glasgow faced stiff opposition from Belfast to land the prestigious competition. The city's bid was submitted in October by event partners Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau and EventScotland.
The city has been associated with "The Worlds", as they are affectionately known, for more than 60 years and on Saturday (December 3) the RSPBA's national council voted for the event to remain in Glasgow.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau said: "I am delighted the RSPBA is continuing to place their trust in us to produce this world class event. The development of the bid to secure this three-year commitment shows that Glasgow has the capacity, capability and creativity to win and retain major events.
"Every year we know the bands look forward to their trips to Glasgow and we look forward to hosting them as the city becomes the epicentre of world piping. Our international reputation for staging world class events like this can only grow as a result of the continued partnership between Glasgow, our partners and the RSPBA.
"The sights and sounds of The Worlds at Glasgow Green are spectacular and live long in the memory, but it will be unforgettable in 2014, when all eyes will be on the city."
Some 230 bands from 12 countries around the world entered the 2011 competition which was held on Saturday, 13th August at Glasgow Green. More than 30,000 people attended the event, watching more than 8,000 pipers and drummers compete. Each year, the event generates over £10 million pounds for both Glasgow and Scotland's economies.
George Ussher, President of the RSPBA, said: "The partnership we enjoy with Glasgow is incredibly strong and we are continually impressed by the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in producing such a world-class event.
"The Worlds are the peak of Pipe Band competition and every year we look for an event which reflects that. The bands get such a warm welcome and genuinely look forward to competing at Glasgow Green - and the hospitality of a city which embraces piping. Glasgow has been a tremendous host and I've no doubt the Worlds will be even bigger and better in the years ahead."
Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland, added: "Scotland truly is the perfect stage for the World Pipe Band Championships, and I am delighted that Glasgow has retained the competition until 2015. The city always delivers a fantastic event, which brings together the best piping talent from around the world, with Glasgow Green providing an ideal backdrop to the action."
The World Pipe Band Championships will take place on 11 August, 2012 at Glasgow Green. As well as the most prestigious pipe band competition in the world, visitors to the event can enjoy the Glasgow World Highland Games, Highland Dancing competitions, a children's zone and Scottish food and produce.
For further information regarding the World Pipe Band Championships, please go to www.theworlds.co.uk
