PIPE bands from across Scotland will gather in Helensburgh this Sunday, June 23, for the annual Bicentenary Pipe Band Championships.

The event, at the East King Street Park, will include the West of Scotland Branch Pipe Band Championships – the first time that particular competition has ever been hosted in Helensburgh.

The West of Scotland championships will include bands competing at grades 1, 2, 3, 4, juvenile and novice juvenile, beginning at 12.30pm – though the official opening of the event will take place at 12 noon, by this year's chieftain, Argyll and Bute MP Brendan O'Hara.

This year the championships' Highland dancing competitions will also be held at East King Street Park, with the primary, beginners and novice competitions starting at 10.30am and the intermediate and premier competitions at 1pm.

There are also numerous trade stalls, food stalls, children's rides, including the very popular Water Balls and a bar, so something for everyone!

The event concludes at approximately 5.30pm with the massed pipe bands performing a military style march past with the spectacular sight of all the bands marching together up to the front of the platform.

The Massed Bands will then play a salute to the chieftain which will be followed by the presentation of prizes.

Entry is £5 adult, £3 concession and £12 for a family ticket. Children under five get in free!