Twin Cities Celebration Weekend: Music, Friendship and International Connections

Saturday 27 June 2026 | 8.30am to 7pm | North Inch

Paid Entry

The weekend begins with one of the biggest events in the international piping calendar as Perth hosts the European Pipe Band Championships 2026.

Organised by the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, the Championships will welcome over 110 bands and over 25 Drum Majors competing in a day of world-class musical performance that showcases excellence in piping, drumming and drum major competitions.

Perth has a long-standing connection with major pipe band events, making it the perfect setting for this prestigious championship. Throughout the day, visitors can experience the spectacle, skill and tradition of pipe band music while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere created by competitors, supporters and spectators from across the globe.
Alongside the competition, visitors can enjoy food and drink, browse event stalls and make the most of a full day of entertainment on the North Inch.

The Championships culminate in the iconic finale that has become a must-see moment for audiences and competitors alike.

Tickets:
•    Under fives go free.
•    General admission - £15.00 plus booking fee
•    Concessions and under 16 - £10.00 plus booking fee

Sunday 28 June 2026 | Midday to 4pm | North Inch
Free event

The excitement continues on Sunday with The City of Perth Salute, a vibrant celebration of music and community that brings the stirring sights and sounds of a military parade and arena show into the heart of Perth.

The afternoon begins with a dazzling parade departing from Thimblerow Car Park at midday and making its way through the city to the North Inch, setting the scene for a fun-filled afternoon for all ages.

Once at the arena, visitors can enjoy the impressive sight and sound of massed pipe bands, as well as a free open-air concert with a host of internationally recognised stars.

•    Dougie MacLean 
•    The Red Hot Chilli Pipers 
•    The McDonald Brothers 
•    Massed Pipe and Brass Bands 
•    A Taste of Asia 
•    The Mounted Pony Games 
•    The Julie Young Dancers 
•    Ngati Rānana London Māori Club 
•    K-Pop Superstars

Beyond the main arena, the Salute Fringe offers plenty to explore, including military vehicles and food and drink stalls, creating a lively festival atmosphere for visitors of all ages.

Pack a picnic, bring the family and soak up the atmosphere at this colourful and welcoming event that fills Perth with a vibrant energy and community spirit.

Tickets: 
•    Free for all
•    No tickets or booking required

Sunday 28 June 2026 | 7.30pm | Gannochy Trust Auditorium, Perth Concert Hall
Free but booking essential.

The weekend concludes with the Twin Cities Celebration Concert, a special evening celebrating Perth's twinning links with Aschaffenburg in Germany, Cognac in France, Nikopol in Ukraine, the cities of Perth in Canada and Australia, Bydgoszcz in Poland and Haikou in China.

Drawing together musicians and dancers from across the region and beyond, the concert showcases the friendships and cultural connections that have flourished for more than 70 years of twinning relationships.

Audiences can enjoy performances from Chansons, Perth's Chamber Choir, Julie Young Dancers, Perth and District Pipe Band, Perthshire Brass, Melomania Obernau and The Spessart Highlanders from Perth's twin city of Aschaffenburg.

From the moving sound of the pipes and favourite Scottish folk songs to dance performances and a rousing finale featuring all musicians and dancers performing Highland Cathedral and Auld Lang Syne together, the concert promises to be a fitting end to a remarkable weekend.

Admission is free, but tickets must be booked in advance.