Piping Live! Festival

The Piping Live! Festival is a must-see annual event in Glasgow, dedicated entirely to the art of bagpiping. Organized by the National Piping Centre, this festival has been a staple since 2003, taking place just before the World Pipe Band Championships. It’s not just a cultural highlight but also a significant boon to Scotland’s tourism, contributing an estimated £12 million to the economy. In fact, it’s the largest bagpipe festival in the world!

The festival kicks off at the Royal Concert Hall with performances by ensembles such as The National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland. Over the course of the week, attendees can indulge in more than 150 events, ranging from workshops and concerts to lively ceilidhs. One of the standout features is "Canada Day" which celebrates top Canadian bands competing in the Championships.

The festival isn’t confined to live performances; it also includes album releases. For example, in 2011, the band Seudan launched an album during the festival.

The Piping Live! Festival has garnered numerous accolades, including the Event of the Year award at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards in 2008. To engage with younger audiences, Eve Muirhead was appointed as the festival’s ambassador in 2010. Under the leadership of director Roddy MacLeod, the festival continues to flourish, making it a cornerstone event in the world of bagpiping.