More than 20,000 people are expected to head to the town’s Levengrove Park for the Scottish Pipe Band Championships on Saturday, July 25.

The event features 120 pipe bands from the British Isles, including local outfit the Dumbarton and District Pipe Band.

Ross Ponsonby, Pipe Major of the Band’s Novice/Juvenile section, is looking forward to the event and hopes the hours of practice will pay off for the band.

The 21-year-old, from Hardgate in Clydebank, said: “We have been practising hard and are really looking forward to the event. It really is a home crowd, so with loads of friends and family there to cheer us on hopefully we can do ourselves proud. It’s always a bit nerve-racking before you start, but once you get into it and the crowds are cheering it is such an amazing feeling – I’m looking forward to it.” Steeped in Scottish tradition and historically influenced internationally by military bands, the pipe band championships is also a platform for developing and emerging new talent.

Ian Embelton, Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, said he expects a closely fought contest.

He said: “The Scottish Pipe Band Championships is a highly regarded event, with bands travelling from all over the UK as they aim to be crowned champion.

“Every year we have been treated with an exceptionally well-run event in Dumbarton and I’m sure this time round it will be no different. All the competitions are going to be exceptionally hard-fought and it will come down to small margins when it comes to handing out the prizes.” West Dunbartonshire Provost and Chieftain, Douglas McAllister, said: “This is a fantastic event for West Dunbartonshire which has grown in popularity and stature each year. We are now in our 16th year of hosting the event and it never fails to amaze me the talent which is on show.

Not only are some of the best bands from across Scotland competing, but there are also bands from all over the UK, which makes it a great day to be a part of. Let’s hope that the sun shines and we can all enjoy the skirl of the pipes in the shadow of Dumbarton Castle.” The pipers are not the only ones competing as Highland dancers will be taking to the stage to show off their fast footwork.

Among those taking part are local dancers from Sandra Lees School of Dancing in Bonhill.

The entertainment on offer includes the free WD Leisure ‘Sports Zone’ featuring a football skills school, club golf golfing practice and mini football games. There will also be a fun fair in the park, market stalls and a variety of food and drink stands.

A paid for car park will be available at the venue but the local authority is urging visitors to use public transport due to the high volume of people expected to attend the event. Dalreoch railway station and buses into Dumbarton High Street are both in easy walking distance to the park.

Visitors who are driving to the event are asked to adhere to the parking restrictions in and around the venue and follow advice from the stewards.

The free event runs from 10am-6pm.