2019 marks 21 years of the annual Tartan Day Parade in New York, showcasing pipers and drummers who'll honour the contribution Scots have made to the USA. This year's honourary Grand Marshal is legendary Scottish comedian, Sir Billy Connolly.
The annual Tartan Day parade takes place on 6th Avenue on 6 April, and is the centre piece of the Scotland Week calendar. It's a parade that embodies the true patriotism, pride and passion of Scotland.
Led by honourary Grand Marshal, Sir Billy Connolly, the parade will strike a universal chord from international pipers and drummers, being loud and proud to celebrate the Scottish contribution made to America. Billy will easily fill the shoes of past marshals such as Scots actors, Sir Sean Connery, Brian Cox, Kevin McKidd, Alan Cumming and Sam Heughan, together with former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg.
Kyle Dawson, President of the New York Tartan Day Committee, said:
“We’re beyond delighted to announce that Billy Connolly will join us as Grand Marshal of this year’s New York City Tartan Day Parade this April. For over half a century, he has entertained us all through his work and, because of this, he is loved on both sides of the pond. We look forward to enjoying a big year with the Big Yin".
Tartan Day has been celebrated on the 6 April since 1998 and, over the years, it has been expanded into a week-long programme of events promoting Scotland in North America.
The procession will feature over 1,500 participants, including solo pipers, drummers, full pipe bands, highland dancers, Scottish clans and the ever-popular Scottish dogs in tow.
With around 30,000 spectators set to watch the event from 45th Street to 55th Street, the famous parade pups will make their annual appearance, and be judged by internationally-acclaimed psychologist and wife of Billy Connolly, Dr. Pamela Stephenson.