The Worlds 2026: Readers Have Their Say

The comments on the 2026 Worlds continue to reverberate. There can be no question that this year’s championship was an outstanding success for which the RSPBA and the promoters, Glasgow Life, deserve considerable credit. But things could be better say our readers. The treatment of the Juvenile grade and the lack of concern for spectators can be added to the row over Friday heats in Grade 2. We start with…

Review: 2026 Worlds Grade 1

On Friday I wrote that after hearing all of the Grade 1 Medley I had three bands out on their own and one I would back to take the title. The three were St Laurence O’Toole, Fife Police and Simon Fraser University – and my cash was on SFU. Not only did P/M Bevan’s boys (and girls) take the Friday Medley, but they also won the Saturday one too and…

Worlds 2026 Results: SFU Take Title after 17 Years

Simon Fraser University won the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions title today at Glasgow Green. It was P/M Alan Bevan’s first Worlds title. Runners-up were Field Marshal. 211 bands took part across all grades over two days of competition. Conditions were perfect: cool and dry. The RSPBA summary sheets showed the final totals. The Grade 1 title was earned before 16 judges. Thirteen bands competed. Grade 1 (four legs, 2 MSRs, 2…

Worlds Day 1: Juvenile and Novice Results (updated with comment and pictures)

The first day of the World Pipe Championships saw the first two heats of the Grade 1 competition, two heats of Grade 2 and the Novice and Juvenile Championships. Glasgow Green was warm and almost perfect for pipe bands – no harsh sun, dry, with only a little breeze. After a hard fought contest George Watson’ College were crowned Juvenile Champions, North Lanarkshire Schools Novice A Champions, and St Thomas…

Northern Ireland: Bands on BBC/ Ulsters/ Belfast Tattoo/ Antrim/ Big Rab

Recently there was the return of the popular series ‘The Band’ on BBC Northern Ireland television which has three episodes and should now be available on iPlayer. The series marks USA 250 by exploring the stories of people who emigrated from Northern Ireland to America and Canada and found friendship and belonging through their passion for bands.  The series follows Danielle Hamilton Cooper from Cookstown, who emigrated to Philadelphia after…