More than 100 bands to descend on Grant Park in Forres for MacPiping Hot

MORE than one hundred pipe bands are set to descend on Forres for next month’s MacPiping Hot.

The British Pipe Band Championships are taking place at Grant Park on Saturday, June 8, after being brought north by Andy Macdonald, who also runs MacMoray Festivals in Elgin.

He is delighted to have upwards of 100 bands signed up for the event - with some of the finest pipers from across Scotland and as far afield as Canada signed up and set to bring a cacophony of noise to town.

Andy said: “I’m really proud that my team and I have been able to not just secure an official pipe bands championship in the North of Scotland, but to bring one back to Forres and Grant Park.

“With everything so last minute I was anxious about getting everything past the finish line, especially the signing up of the pipe bands. However, I’ve been blown away with the response.

“We have had over 100 pipe bands now sign up, from as far as Canada, and I cannot wait for this very special event.”

Tickets prices for the event have been frozen at 2018 levels, meaning adults will be £15, with children considerably cheaper.

“We haven’t raised the ticket prices and we aren’t going to,” Andy added. “This is a family event and we want as many tourists and locals alike to attend and enjoy this amazing spectacle.

“We have organised all the bands to perform together, which will be the largest performance of pipe bands I’ve ever seen.”

Tickets can be purchased at YbdMusic.com. From Monday, May 27, tickets can be collected from the Carlton Hotel, allowing visitors a fast-track passage into the event.

Purchasing a ticket on the day is a possibility, but organisers highly recommend buying in advance, with between 15,000 and 20,000 spectators expected.

For a full list of bands taking part in the MacPiping Hot British Pipe Band Championships visit: https://rspba.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/British-Championship-Band-Draw-Website-Details-2024-FINAL.pdf