11 August 2026
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Returning for its ninth showcase, this year’s mass participation saw 200 musicians step off at 12 noon from Mansfield Park in Partick. Performing a wide variety of traditional tunes to the delight of crowds lining the streets, the band marched the 0.5-mile route, arriving at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum at 12:20 pm.
Demonstrating the global appeal and inclusive spirit of the bagpipes, the Big Band welcomed musicians aged eight to 88 years old, representing 10 different countries: Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, Hong Kong, Australia, USA, Germany, Denmark, Canada and Mexico.
Every year, the Piping Live! Big Band partners with a meaningful cause. For 2026, the festival is proud to support My Name’5 Doddie Foundation as its official charity partner. Founded by the former rugby union player Doddie Weir, the Foundation is committed to funding research to find effective treatments and ultimately achieve a world free of motor neuron disease (MND). Time matters for those living with MND, and participants and supporters have raised vital funds and awareness throughout the parade.
Finlay MacDonald, Artistic Director of Piping Live! Said: “We are absolutely thrilled to see today’s wonderful parade officially marking the beginning of what promises to be a hugely exciting edition of the Piping Live! Festival. We’ve got a fantastic week of events planned, with something on offer for all ages. We’d love to see as many people as possible join us for this dynamic and wide-ranging programme of global talent right here in Glasgow.”
Paul Thomson, Director of Fundraising at My Name’5 Doddie Foundation said: “The Piping Live! Big Band is all about bringing people together and making some noise - and we’re proud to be a part of it this year. MND doesn’t wait, and neither can we. Every registration will help fund vital research to speed up the search for effective treatments and bring us closer to a world free of MND. A huge thank you to Piping Live! and everyone taking part for getting behind us.”
Leading up to the World Pipe Band Championships - the pinnacle of the international competitive pipe band calendar, which is organised by The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, delivered by Glasgow Life, and this year will be held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th August at Glasgow Green - Piping Live! 2026 brings over 120 events and 30,000 visitors to Glasgow. Over its 20-plus-year history, the festival has generated over £30 million for the Scottish economy, showcasing Glasgow as the ultimate global destination for piping culture.
Supported by the Expanded Festivals Fund through Creative Scotland, this year’s festival features a groundbreaking avant-garde project curated by renowned Breton piper and composer Erwan Keravec. The highlight of this series takes place at the iconic Barrowland Ballroom on Tuesday 11th August, where 20 pipers will perform a striking minimalist interpretation of Terry Riley’s masterpiece In C.
At the heart of the festival, the National Piping Centre’s Festival Site offers a lively daily schedule of live music, recitals and family-friendly activities. Beyond the main venue, the festivities spill into the community with free open-air performances along Sauchiehall Street, recital series in Kelvingrove Art Gallery and interactive ‘Come and Try’ sessions designed to give people of all ages their first hands-on experience playing the pipes.
Premier competitions also return to showcase top-tier talent from around the world. Audience favourites include the prestigious Pipe Major and Alisdair Gillies Memorial Recital Challenge, the G1 Reeds International Quartet Competition, and the hugely popular Pipe Idol competition, which spotlights exceptional rising stars under the age of 21.
Glasgow City Council Convenor for Culture, Sport and International Relations, and Chair of Glasgow Life, Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Every August, Glasgow becomes the centre of the piping world, welcoming performers and audiences from across the globe. As the home of both Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band Championships, our UNESCO City of Music provides the perfect stage for these internationally renowned events.
“Showcasing outstanding musical talent, while celebrating Scotland’s culture, heritage and creativity, Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band Championships attract thousands of competitors, visitors and spectators each year – generating significant benefits for Glasgow’s visitor economy and reinforcing the city’s reputation as a world-class destination for major cultural events.
“We are proud to host these exceptional piping extravaganzas, and look forward to welcoming everyone to Glasgow for another unforgettable, world-class week of sensational sounds and spectacular sights.”
Rebecca Edser, Head of Events at VisitScotland, said: “Scotland is an exciting year-round destination, with every season and region offering something distinctive to enjoy. Each summer, Glasgow makes itself heard through Piping Live!, showcasing the culture, music and warm welcome that attract visitors from around the world.
“With Scotland’s traditional music enjoying increased visibility on the world stage this year, there has rarely been a better time to celebrate the talent, traditions and warm welcome that make our nation distinctive. Capped by the World Pipe Band Championships and combined with Glasgow’s vibrant character and unique local spirit, it creates an unforgettable festival experience.
“Supported through our International Events Programme, Piping Live! is an important part of Scotland’s diverse events landscape, bringing communities and visitors together to share memorable experiences.
“By helping organisers deliver high-quality, well-designed events, we support positive impacts for local communities and the wider visitor economy. It is wonderful to see the festival continue to be a standout fixture in Scotland’s events calendar.”
Principal funders for Piping Live! 2026 include Glasgow Life, EventScotland, WM Grant Foundation and Creative Scotland.
For full programme details and ticket information for Piping Live! 2026, visit www.pipinglive.co.uk