Do you know what the problem is?
There's simply too much on.
Worlds Week, now Piping Live, is sensory overload for the committed piper or drummer. Events everywhere (some rather remote) and practising bands round every corner are inclined to turn the head.
This year's programme seems fuller than ever. The printed booklet is good, but could do with a re-think on design. Each day is set out as if in chronological order, but in fact it isn't. You have to trawl through the pages to be sure of not missing something.
One of this year's biggest changes was the loss of the 'hub' at George Square, which is undergoing renovation.
The replacement at St Enoch Square is much less satisfactory. There is really no Square to speak of, so the performing bands end up jammed in at the bottom end. It is a less than salubrious part of the town, so bandsmen find themselves rubbing shoulders with a large number of drunks and junkies. Keep your head down and concentrate on the tunes folks.
A positive side effect is the decision to have Band Spots on Buchanan Street. The performing outfits now stop for fifteen minutes at the Concert Hall and halfway down the street, before heading for the Square. Predictably, the crowds at the stops usually dwarf the ones at the Square. Hopefully the changes to George Square won't prevent a return to that venue next year.
That could scarcely be considered a full review of the event - more a few thoughts as we go along. It's far from over yet....