PIPE bands from as far afield as Denmark and Canada are set to hand the local economy a major boost.

More than 4,000 pipers and drummers will head to Paisley for the 2017 British Pipe Band Championships on Saturday, May 20.

The event is also expected to attract thousands of spectators from across Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and beyond.

It is the second year in a row that the prestigious championships have been staged at the St James Playing Fields, with the Inveraray and District Pipe Band taking home the Grade 1 prize in 2016.

The holders are set to face stiff competition from across the world this year, as bands from Canada and Ireland join Scotland’s finest in trying to take home the accolade of Britain’s best.

From 10am, a total of 145 bands will take to the competition arena and look to impress judges from the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (RSPBA) in 11 different categories.

After the final band performs, at around 5.30pm, the prizegiving ceremony will take place, before all bands join a final march-past to close proceedings.

The free-to-attend event will also feature a food village, children’s entertainment zone and craft market.

Ian Embelton, RSPBA chief executive, said: “After the success of last year’s championships, we are all looking forward to an even more exciting event this year.

“Bands have entered in great numbers and everything is in place for a great day out for all the family.”

Free shuttle buses will run directly to the event site from West College Scotland and Paisley Gilmour Street train station.

The full running order, showing all bands and timings, is available online at www.rspba.org