Bands from all over the world will attend the championships

The city faced stiff competition from Belfast, but the strength of Glasgow's bid, was enough to convince organisers to locate the event in Scotland.

The National Council of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association agreed the competition should be held in the city for another three years.

It is estimated that the win will generate �10m for the local economy between 2010 and 2012.

The World Pipe Band Championships have been associated with Glasgow since 1948, but the profile of the event attracted the interest of Belfast resulting in a formal bidding situation for the first time in the event's history.

Colourful spectacle

The World Pipe Band Championships is one of the most colourful spectacles in Glasgow's annual events calendar, attracting more than 8,000 pipers and drummers from across the globe to compete for the title of World Champions.

This year's event will be at Glasgow Green on 16 August.

Ian Embelton, of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, added: "We are delighted to continue our association with Glasgow. There have been great improvements in the championships in recent years and we have been impressed with the council's proposals to develop them still further."

Securing the World Pipe Band Championships to 2012 is great news for Glasgow and Scotland Paul Bush EventScotland

Bailie Liz Cameron, the chairwoman of Culture and Sport Glasgow, said: "This decision is great news for the city and pays tribute to the hard work of our staff, who always deliver world-class events.

"We are known for our commitment and professionalism and I'm sure we will all work together to make the "Worlds" bigger and better yet."

Paul Bush, chief operating officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: "Securing the World Pipe Band Championships to 2012 is great news for Glasgow and Scotland.

"This major showcase event generates significant economic impact for the city and helps to keep Scotland at the heart of world piping."

The full package of support behind the bid was offered by Glasgow City Council, Culture and Sport Glasgow, Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and EventScotland.