Pipers 'Beat the Retreat' before The Worlds in Glasgow

Pipers "Beat the Retreat" through Glasgow before The Worlds on Saturday

Dozens of pipers have made their way through Glasgow city centre for the traditional curtain raiser to this weekend's World Pipe Band Championship.

Six bands from Canada, France, Denmark, Australia and New Zealand "Beat the Retreat" from Blythswood Square, down West George Street, to George Square.

The main event - known as The Worlds - is at Glasgow Green on Saturday.

About 30,000 visitors and 8,000 pipers, drummers and performers from around the world are expected in the city.

The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band from Lisburn in Northern Ireland won The Worlds title for the second successive year.

'Sights and sounds'

Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association chief executive Ian Embelton said: "The entries are in, the final preparations are being made and we are looking forward to another amazing World Pipe Band Championships.

"We have had some outstanding championships in recent years and I know the bands love coming to Glasgow Green every year to compete.

"There is nothing to match the sights and sounds of The Worlds and there is something for everyone to enjoy."

The Worlds have been held in Glasgow for almost 70 years, while Piping Live - the week-long festival which accompanies the championship - is now in its ninth year.