B.C. band crowned world champions for the first time in 17 years
A B.C. band has made international headlines after winning a global title.
The Simon Fraser University pipe band recently took home first place at the 2026 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland — the first time a Canadian band has won in 17 years.
“This year’s World Championships provided a truly thrilling and fiercely contested competition,” said Colin Mulhern, the chief executive for the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, in a release from Glasgow Life, the charity that delivered the event for the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.
“Huge congratulations go to the 2026 World Pipe Band Champions, Simon Fraser University, on securing the Grade 1 global title,” he added.
Glasgow Life describes the World Pipe Band Championships as “the pinnacle of the global piping calendar.” It brings the world’s best pipers and drummers together to compete in one of the “most prestigious music competitions.”
This year, 211 bands competed from 14 countries. Scotland had 125 communities represented, Northern Ireland had 26, and the U.S. had 14. Other countries (aside from Canada) included Australia, New Zealand, Oman, France, Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany.
On social media, the SFU Pipe Band noted that this is its seventh World Pipe Band Championship.
“Led by Pipe Major Alan Bevan, Pipe Sergeant Craig Sutherland, and Lead Drummer J. Reid Maxwell, the band convincingly won three of the four events,” reads the post. “It is the band’s first World Championship title under Pipe Major Alan Bevan.”
SFU Pipe Band added that they wanted to thank all their fans and supporters.
“It is all very overwhelming and very humbling.”
Commenters also shared their support for the band’s success.
“Stunning performances, so well deserved!!! The tone today was impeccable,” one person said.
“Brilliant achievement! You make us proud!” someone else added.