A PIPE band from Canada has been crowned world champions after a “truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition”.
Pipers and drummers from Simon Fraser University in Canada are celebrating after winning the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow.
It was the first time since 2010 that a band from outside of the UK had lifted the coveted title – with the Canadians triumphing over 211 bands from 14 countries took part in the contest, which is held annually on Glasgow Green.
The Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, were runners up in this year’s contest, coming in ahead of the Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia band, who were in third place.
Speaking after the event, known to fans as simply the Worlds, Colin Mulhern, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the competing bands, supporters and spectators who joined us throughout our 2026 World Pipe Band Championships.
“This year’s World Championships provided a truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition.
“Huge congratulations go to the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions, Simon Fraser University, on securing the grade one global title.”
He added: “Every band that took part can be immensely proud of their performances.
“They delivered a fantastic competition and demonstrated the dedication, commitment, skill and talent that continue to make the world of pipe band competition so special.”
Organised by Glasgow Life, the two-day event attracted bands from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Oman and France, with Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland and Germany also represented.
Beyond Scotland, which sent 125 bands from across the country, Northern Ireland saw the most home-grown bands attending, with 26, while the United States of America sent 19, up from its total of 14 in 2025.
Glasgow Life chairwoman Bailie Annette Christie said the city was “proud” to host the event.
She said: “The Worlds are such an important event for the city.
“Together with Piping Live! they create the biggest week of piping in the world, bringing the very best pipers and drummers together for a spectacular celebration of music and tradition, while shining an international spotlight on Glasgow as a welcoming destination for major events.
“The championships attract thousands of competitors, spectators and visitors to the city, providing a significant boost to tourism and making an important contribution to both the city and Scotland’s economy.”
Across the two days around 35,000 people turned out to watch the competition, with audiences worldwide able to tune in to live coverage on various online streaming sites.
Alongside the main competition a junior version was also contested, with more than 1500 under-18s competing.
The overall winner of the juvenile section was George Watson's College, the school's second win in two years, while North Lanarkshire Schools took the Novice Juvenile A grade and St Thomas Episcopal School from the US taking grade B.
Tickets for the 2027 World Pipe Band Championships will go on sale at 10am on Tuesday 18 August. Highlights from the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships will be broadcast on BBC Scotland on Thursday, August 20.
