The Piping Live! Big Band is open to anyone who plays a practice chanter, bagpipes, snare, bass or tenor drum, or is a drum major. All ages are welcome, with past events welcoming people aged 8-86. Players can sign up to be part of the Piping Live! Big Band at www.pipinglive.co.uk/pages/piping-live-big-band. There is a £15 registration fee which covers the Big Band t-shirt and a donation to the chosen charity.

Finlay MacDonald, Artistic Director for Piping Live!, said:

The Piping Live! Big Band parade is one of the highlights of the festival so we’re delighted to bring the showcase back for the seventh time. It’s heartwarming to see so many performers of all ages and abilities come together, united by their love of Scottish music. It’s always an honour to lead the parade and launch the festivities, while raising money for a great cause.

Michael Archibald, Creative Changemaker, Articulate Cultural Trust, said:

Thank-you Piping Live! for giving Articulate such a wonderful opportunity. With the support of the festival, Articulate is able to invest in training and support young people to develop transferable skills and prepare for the world of work.

Glasgow Life Head of Events, Julie Pearson, said:

“The Big Band is always one of the real highlights of the much-loved, dynamic Piping Live! festival. It’s a memorable occasion for everyone taking part and for spectators. It’s great to see so many pipers of every age, and at every level, joining forces to parade through the city streets and play together.

Piping Live! 2024 takes place from Saturday 10th - Sunday 18th August 2024. The world’s biggest piping festival annually attracts over 30,000 attendees to Glasgow and the line-up includes world class performances, music sessions, recitals, workshops and more.

More information and tickets for all events taking place at Piping Live! 2024 are available at www.pipinglive.co.uk. Sign up to the Big Band, which takes place on Monday 12th August, at https://pipinglive.co.uk/pages/piping-live-big-band.