It will be the last time the Otago-Southland Provincial Contest, hosted by the Otago Centre of the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands Association, will be held in central Dunedin due to opposition from retailers.
Otago Centre president Brian Coutts said gone were the days when shop owners and assistants could tolerate two consecutive days of bagpipes, drums and uniformed marching.
Associated street closures have also posed a problem for central businesses.
Tomorrow, competition starts at noon when each band will perform a street march followed by a set and medley.
Judging for the Octagon Day Contest, of which music is the sole focus, will be announced about 5pm.
The Otago-Southland Provincial Contest on Sunday begins at 9am and comprises three judging categories - music, dress and drill.
A mass band performance and presentations will probably take place from 3.30pm.
Mr Coutts said the event served as a practice run for those entering national competitions, but for many it was the pinnacle of their season.
