Fifty-seven bands and over 1300 pipers will converge this week in the deep South to take part in the NZ Pipe Band Championships at the Queens Park Cricket Grounds.
The event will be the main competition of its kind in New Zealand and has been held since 1926, gathering pipe bands from across the country and even across the Ditch.
Local organising committee member Jack King said the event was returning to Invercargill after a very successful edition five years ago.
However, this time, it would be "better and even bigger" as it had attracted a record number of entries.
"It is one of the largest and most followed pipe-band competitions in the world. We have bands coming from across New Zealand and Australia and it is a great opportunity for people from Southland to experience the top-end of pipe bands.
"There are talents coming from as far as Scotland, Ireland and other countries of the United Kingdom."
Seven bands from Southland would be competing for the title, including the ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band, which is the oldest civilian pipe band in the southern hemisphere.
Mr King said more than 2000 spectators were expected. One of the highlights of the weekend would be the street march on Saturday morning, which would wind its way from the water tower down Gala St, showcasing the skill and precision of the competing bands.
Then, the public was invited to enter the cricket grounds where the second day of competition would be held, with plenty of activities and stalls on offer.
There would be a tent where people could find out more about their Scottish heritage and where their surnames came from, as Invercargill had a growing Scottish community and influence — from the architecture and street names to the traces of Scottish burr in the rolling "r"s.
It would not only be a great opportunity for community entertainment, but also boost the local economy.
The majority of accommodation providers in Invercargill were already fully booked for the event, Mr King said.
"It is an event that nobody should miss."
The event will be held tomorrow and Saturday.
