Organisers of a Moray pipe band gathering were drumming up interest in the celebrations this week as tickets officially went on sale.
Piping at Forres is expected to welcome 20,000 spectators from all over the world, with an estimated 100 bands taking part in the European Pipe Band Championship event.
To mark the launch of tickets, organisers Forres Events gathered at Brodie Countryfare with local piper June McIntosh, and youngsters from the town’s junior pipe band.
Staff from Speyside Brewery added to the celebratory atmosphere by providing free samples of their craft beer.
Last summer’s showcase was the biggest single-day ticketed event held in Moray for the last 25 years, as more than 18,000 people descended on Forres.
The bumper crowd helped the local economy rake in an estimated £1million.
Chairman of Forres Events Ian Widdowson hopes the festival can break its own record this year.
He said: “This is a great event and we hope that this year is going to be better than ever.
“We plan to have more bands, more food stalls and more entertainment to make it a top family day out.
“Each year we learn from the event before, and I urge people to get their tickets early.”
Piping at Forres was first held in 2013, under a three-year deal to hold it until this summer.
The success of the first two stages convinced the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association to stage the festival in the Moray town until at least 2018.
VisitScotland regional partnerships director Scott Armstrong said: “Piping At Forres is one of the highlights of the cultural calendar in Moray and the biggest piping event in the Highlands.
“The day attracts enthusiasts from all across the globe, and provides a welcome boost to the local economy.”
As well as the championship piping competition, there will be a retail and craft village on the site and an extensive range of food, drink and entertainment.
Piping at Forres will take place on Saturday, June 27, at Grant Park.
Tickets are available at www.pipingatforres.com or from Beaver Travel’s agencies in Forres and Elgin, R&R Urquhart’s office in Forres and Nairn and Brodie Countryfare.