The first major championship of the pipe band season, the British, are underway at the St James Playing Fields, Paisley, with 126 bands vying for honours across all grades.
The RSPBA’s superb team of judges, stewards and officials were on duty from early morning and the first band performance begins at 10am.
Grade 1 begins at 2pm, the bands playing in the following order:
1 Buchan Peterson
2 Glasgow Skye
3 Vale of Atholl
4 Boghall
5 Inveraray
6 Shotts
7 SLoT
8 PSNI
9 Glasgow Police
10 Denny & Dunipace
11 Lomond & Clyde
12 Fife Police
13 Johnstone
14 Scottish Power
15 Field Marshal
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Some say Grade 1 will be a straight fight between Inveraray and Field Marshal. But other bands will have a say in that we are sure, with SLoT, Scottish Power and Shotts the favourites to cause an upset. There is pressure on Boghall and Glasgow Police to regain some of their former glory and a place in the top six. But bands such as Vale of Atholl and Fife Police will also be in the mix for the prizes. This makes it extremely tough for bands such as Lomond & Clyde, Johnstone, PSNI, Denny, Buchan and Skye.
This is a medley contest with bands having to submit two. We can expect a lot of new music but also some re-worked offerings from last year. Who will catch the ear of the judges? Last year saw Inveraray first, FMM second, Shots third, SLoT fourth, Fife police fifth and the Power sixth.
Grade 2 is even more fascinating with last year’s champions now promoted, who will dominate one of the most competitive grades in the RSPBA roster? This grade also begins at 2pm with Islay kicking things off. Read our preview of this grade here.
Going to Paisley? Check out the travel arrangements here. Admission is free.
The RSPBA’s dedicated YouTube channel will be covering the championships and can be accessed here. You can also follow all the latest on the Association’s Twitter feed here. This is also the best place to get results as they are posted almost simultaneously with the announcements by RSPBA Chief Executive Ian Embelton. expect them any time after 6.30pm.
Stay tuned to Piping Press over the weekend for reviews of both Grade 2 and Grade 1. This is the only place you will get informed comment and opinion on the performances.
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