Forres To Host Pipe Bands Till 2018
Organisers have secured the European Pipe Band Championship for the area over the next 3 years.
The European Pipe Band Championships will stay in Forres until 2018.
Organisers won its bid to host the musical competition for the next 3 years.
It was first held there in 2013 and is estimated to bring in £1 million to the local economy.
Chairman of Forres Events Ltd Ian Widdowson said: “When we first looked at the idea of hosting the championships we had no idea that they would be such an incredible success.
"The figures speak for themselves, £1million incremental spend in the local area, creating a benefit worth the equivalent of 20 full time jobs.
"The success of the event is based on a lot of hard work from a large number of volunteers and the support of the community and it is gratifying that their effort not only makes Piping At Forres a great day out for thousands of people but translates into significant economic benefit for Forres and the local area.
"We are delighted that we have been given the opportunity to continue to bring this kind of economic boost to the area for another three years!”
Ian Embelton, President of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association said, of the European Championships: “The board of directors was unanimous in awarding them to Forres Events Ltd again.
"I look forward to being in Forres for the long term and am delighted to be continuing our relationship with the team."
Margery McLennan, Chair of the Tourism and Culture committee of the Moray Economic Partnership said: “The Forres Events Ltd team should be justifiably proud of all they have achieved in bringing this fantastic event to Forres and in securing it until 2018.
"Piping At Forres is now an established part of Moray Speyside’s calendar of events, providing a great family day out and bringing significant economic benefit to the area.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer of Event Scotland commented that: “The European Pipe Band Championships ‐ Piping At Forres has developed over the past two years as a standout event in the north-east of Scotland.
"It has demonstrated fantastic event delivery and an ability to draw a significant number of spectators and Pipe Bands, all showing high levels of satisfaction and engagement with the event.”