This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/glasgow_and_west/8202888.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Piping contest draws huge crowds Rain fails to dampen pipe contest
(about 1 hour later)
Thousands of pipers and drummers are competing to be crowned world champions at a contest in Glasgow. More than 8,000 pipers and drummers from around the world competed in the world championships on Saturday.
Some 200 bands are taking part in the annual World Pipe Band Championship. Glasgow Green played host to the annual World Pipe Band Championship.
The event has attracted about 8,000 musicians from Australia, New Zealand, Eastern Europe and the USA as well as more local competitors. A spokesman said rain had not spoilt the day "one little bit. The place is packed and people are very much getting into the spirit of things."
However there was disappointment earlier this week when a Pakistani band due to perform was refused entry visas to the UK. Up to 50,000 spectators were expected at the event, and the winners of the contest were due to be announced on Saturday evening.
Thousands of people attend the annual event at Glasgow Green. The competition drew more than 200 bands from as far afield as Australia, Eastern Europe, New Zealand, and the US.
Ian Embelton, chief executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: "There's nothing in the world to compare with an afternoon at The Worlds." The spokesman said: "It is always a colourful and noisy event, and you can never be prepared for all of the sites and sounds that come out of it. It really is unique."
Visitors to Glasgow Green were able to see variety of different competitions including pipe majors marching, pipe bands and highland dancing, as well as a variety of food outlets and stalls.
Liz Cameron, the Chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, said: "This event is one of the highlights of our cultural calendar and attracts people to Glasgow from all over the world.Liz Cameron, the Chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, said: "This event is one of the highlights of our cultural calendar and attracts people to Glasgow from all over the world.
"There is nothing quite like heading towards Glasgow Green on the day of the championships and hearing the sound of thousands of pipers and drummers playing."There is nothing quite like heading towards Glasgow Green on the day of the championships and hearing the sound of thousands of pipers and drummers playing.
"It is a truly spectacular sight and sound and is great fun too.""It is a truly spectacular sight and sound and is great fun too."