MORE than 200 bands from 13 countries across the globe battled it out at the weekend’s World Pipe Band Championships.

Along with the competitors, thousands of spectators travelled to Glasgow Green to witness the world’s most prestigious pipe band competition.

The weekend’s top prize was scooped by Northern Irish band Field Marshall Montgomery, who walked away as Grade 1 world champions ahead of reigning winner Inveraray and District, who finished second.

Organised by the City of Glasgow on behalf of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, 2018 marked the 70th occasion when the event has been held in Glasgow, with over 8,000 musicians making up the 214 bands taking part over the weekend.

Bands are placed in 9 different competition grades according to ability and results.

Across grades 1 to 4B, only one Scottish band won their grade, with the Royal Burgh of Annan triumphing in 3A.

Glasgow’s Lord Provost Eva Bolander, chieftain of the World Pipe Band Championships 2018, said: “My heartiest congratulations to everyone who competed at the World Pipe Band Championships.

“It has been a wonderful occasion that is as memorable for the extraordinary musicianship as it is for the incredible sight of 8,000 competitors on Glasgow Green.”

Glasgow first staged the event in 1948 and has been the host city every year since 1986.

Known as ‘the worlds’, the event is truly international, with groups representing New Zealand, Denmark, Canada, Oman and Zimbabwe, according to organisers.

Alongside the competitive side of things, Glasgow last week also hosted the Piping Live! Glasgow International Piping Festival.

More than 40,000 people are said to have attended piping events over the course of the week.

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “Scotland is the perfect stage for events and as a long-standing supporter of the Worlds”