Canadian pipe band crowned world champions after 'thrilling' contest
The Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada has won the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, marking the first time in 16 years a non-UK band has taken the title. The event featured 211 bands from 14 countries competing over two days.
Why it matters
This represents a notable shift in a traditional cultural competition that has been historically dominated by UK-based groups.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Simon Fraser University Pipe Band from Canada took the 2026 title
A pipe band from Canada has been crowned World Pipe Band champions - the first time in 16 years that a band outside the UK has taken the honour.
The Simon Fraser University pipe band won the coveted title following the two-day event at Glasgow Green.
The Field Marshal Montgomery pipe band from Lisburn, Northern Ireland, was runner-up, with the Peoples Ford Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia band, coming third.
A total of 211 bands from 14 countries, including youth bands, took part in the "truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition".
Figure caption, It is the first time in 16 years the competition has been won by a band outside the UK
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