The Worlds 2026: Views of a Retired Adjudicator

Unfortunately, I was able to attend only the Saturday of the World Pipe Band Championships this year.  Unlike some of the previous years the weather was pleasantly warm, free from rain and with only a mild wind, so the atmosphere was ideal for tuning and for the band performances.  Both days were well attended by spectators (estimated at around 35,000 over the two days).  The official programme showed a total…

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 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…

Review: 78th Frasers World’s Week Concert

TRUE NORTH STRONG was the title of the 2026 World’s Week concert given in Glasgow Royal Concert Hall by the world-famous Canadian pipe band, the 78th Fraser Highlanders. Under the leadership of P/M Michael Grey and L/D Kyle Wardell the band delivered a feast of musical entertainment presented with a sense of pure theatre – themed, atmospheric and including a backing group, Highland dancers, two superb singers, as well as…