Online Reporter
THE Belfast International Tattoo has congratulated St John’s College Pipe Band for winning the World Championship in the Novice Juvenile B category in Glasgow, Scotland, at the weekend.
A total of 15 countries were represented by 207 bands, 53 of which were from overseas destinations including Australia, Oman to Zimbabwe.
St John’s College will also take part in the Belfast International Tattoo this year on its return to the capital of Northern Ireland next month.
“Congratulations St John’s College Pipes and Drums Band,” the Belfast International Tattoo said.
“A huge shoutout to the Pipes and Drums Band for winning the World Championship in the Novice Juvenile B category.
And we’re delighted that they’re performing at the Tattoo!
“Let’s give them all the love and support as they take the global stage again soon.”
The Belfast International Tattoo will be held on September 5 and 6.
The festival will bring “together an extraordinary showcase of world-class talent, music, and tradition from across the globe.
“Set to be held at The SSE Arena Belfast, the 2025 Tattoo promises to be the most vibrant and captivating yet, offering audiences a breathtaking spectacle of bands, dancers, and cultural performances.
“The Belfast International Tattoo 2025 will feature a diverse line-up of bands, performers, and cultural groups from around the world, including the best of local Ulster-Scots talent as well as bands and performers from Finland and Norway.
“This event has its roots firmly based in the history, music and dance traditions of the Ulster Scots people who have spread their wings around the world and have gone on to have such a major influence and direction on those countries and people they have come into contact with around the world.”
On Sunday, the elite Harare school announced their pipe band had conquered the world in Scotland.
“We are thrilled to announce our remarkable victory at the Inaugural World Youth Pipe Band Championships.
“Securing 1st place in the Novice Juvenile B category, out of 32 outstanding bands, is a testament to our hard work and dedication – this marks our second time achieving this incredible honour.
“Our talented pipers truly shone by clinching the top position in piping as well.
“Additionally, our Novice Juvenile A band made us proud by earning 2nd place in drumming among 12 exceptional bands.”
The school added:
“A heartfelt thank you Expacareare for your unwavering support and contribution, which played a significant role in our success – your belief in us fuels our passion.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to our Parents’ Fundraising Committee led by Murray Smith, our parents, the College management, and everyone who supported us behind the scenes ~ your support and encouragement mean the world to us.”
The Inveraray & District Pipe Band were declared World Pipe Band champions for the second year in a row.
The band, from Argyll and Bute, won the World Pipe Band Championships after two days of competition in Glasgow.
It is the fourth time they have won as they also took the title in 2019 and 2017.
Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Northern Ireland were runners-up and North Lanarkshire’s Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band came third.
Scotland entered the biggest national contingent with 122 bands.
Northern Ireland had the second largest with 25 bands, and next was the USA with 14 bands.
More than 35,000 people attended this year’s event.
More than 1,500 under 18s competed in a dedicated youth competition.
The winners of that were: Juvenile — George Watson’s College; Novice Juvenile A – West Lothian Schools; Novice Juvenile B – St John’s College Harare of Zimbabwe.
Colin Mulhern, chief executive of The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said:
“This year’s ‘Worlds’ proved to be a fiercely-fought contest and our 2025 World Pipe Band Champions Inveraray & District Pipe Band deserve huge congratulations for winning the global title for a second year running.
“Every one of the bands can take great pride in their wonderful performances. They gave us a splendid competition and demonstration of their dedication to excellence, and their outstanding skills and talent.”
Glasgow Life chairwoman Bailie Annette Christie, said: “Glasgow is proud to host the global pinnacle of the competitive piping calendar, and of the city’s long association with ‘the Worlds.
“The championships are hugely valued by us as they shine an international spotlight on Glasgow as a fantastic and welcoming destination for events, attract visitors here from all over the world — boosting tourism and contributing greatly to the Scottish and city’s economy.”
Rob Dickson, director of industry and events at VisitScotland, said:
“The World Pipe Band Championships continue to be a spectacular celebration of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, attracting thousands of talented musicians and enthusiastic spectators from across the globe.
“This year’s event once again showcased the incredible skill, passion, and camaraderie that define the piping community.” — H-Metro ReporterBC
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