Aberdeen is preparing to welcome pipers from across Europe and beyond to the European Pipe Band Championships this Saturday at Duthie Park.
Aberdeen City Council joined the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, Aberdeen Inspired and headline sponsors Balmoral Group, in bringing this event to the city.
The day will see more than 100 pipe bands from across Europe and as far as Australia travel to Aberdeen to compete in one of the largest piping events in the world.
The day will include traditional Scottish music, Highland Dancing, as well as fun activities that all ages can enjoy including a Dinosaur QR Code Trail in the David Welch Winter Gardens, facepainting, canoeing, a bubble workshop and walkabout acts, as well as food and drink from local producers, a selection of local stallholders, and a fully licensed bar.
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Dr David Cameron said: “It is a great honour to welcome the European Pipe Band Championships to Aberdeen.
“It is wonderful to have the piping community here in our city and I would very much encourage locals and visitors alike to come along to Duthie Park and enjoy a fun day out and all the additional activities that will be on offer throughout the day.”
Colin Mulhern, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said: “I am delighted to welcome you all to Aberdeen for the European Pipe Band Championships. After a forty-two-year absence, it's exciting to have this spectacular event return to the great city of Aberdeen.
“I am thrilled that Aberdeen gets to host these dedicated musicians and passionate spectators from all over the world. Whether you are a regular or this is your first time attending a major pipe band championship, I hope you soak in the atmosphere and enjoy everything the European Championship has to offer.”
Adrian Watson, chief of city centre BID Aberdeen Inspired, said: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming thousands of visitors to the city over the weekend, whether they are travelling with a competing pipe band or planning just to soak up the fantastic atmosphere at Duthie Park. It's also set to be a spectacle for local people too.
"We would very much encourage everyone to take the opportunity to enjoy all that our city centre has to offer and to make a weekend from it, whether that's a drink in one of our bars, a meal in a restaurant, a bit of shopping or a souvenir selfie at our big ABERDEEN letters at the Castlegate.
"We're also asking local businesses to get behind the European Pipe Band Championships and extend a warm Aberdeen welcome to our visitors! We hope to see touches of tartan, special drinks or food offerings and a real buzz around the city on Saturday."
People should note that parking will not be available at Duthie Park or in neighbouring streets on the day, with visitors encouraged to use public transport, walk, or to use the shuttle service operated by First and running throughout the day from Union Terrace with the last bus departing for Duthie Park at 5pm.
Additionally, a payable park and ride service will also be available from Altens Farm Road, full details can be found on our website.
Tickets are available to buy online now or can be bought on the day at the gate.