SCOTLAND’S biggest bagpiping festival has drawn to a close after welcoming more than 30,000 attendees over the past week.
Glasgow’s much-loved Piping Live! festival boasted 150 events featuring 700 musicians between August 10 – 18.
From concerts and recitals to workshops and competitions, the festival sold out a number of shows and had a record-breaking Big Band showcase, which saw 170 pipers and drummers line the streets in Glasgow’s West End.
Recognised as the world’s largest bagpiping festival, Piping Live! transformed Glasgow’s landmarks and venues into stages for homegrown talent and international artists alike.
Indeed, the festival welcomed pipers from 10 different countries including Germany, Australia and Hong Kong.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has made this year’s Piping Live! festival a resounding success,” said Finlay MacDonald, artistic director for Piping Live!.
“From the incredibly talented performers to the dedicated organisers and volunteers, our sponsors and funders, and everyone who attended the events, we are so grateful for your support in making the 21st edition of Piping Live! one of our most popular and well-attended festivals to date.
“We’re delighted that a record number of 170 pipers and drummers joined the Big Band parade this year, showcasing their enthusiasm and passion for the national instrument and celebrating Scotland’s rich musical heritage.
“To welcome 30,000 attendees across the festival and host musicians from across the world, filling Glasgow’s streets and venues with the sounds of piping, was extremely heartening.
“We look forward to building on the success of our 21st event with future editions of Piping Live! as we continue to fulfil our mission to enrich lives through piping, champion Scotland’s cultural prowess and show that piping and drumming is open to everyone.”
During the festival a new online platform featuring inspirational women from across piping and drumming was launched.
The Maket Collection is named after the first named piper in history, a woman named Lady Maket who played the pipe more than 3000 years ago in Egypt.
The new online space aims to promote and amplify the voices of women in piping and drumming.
VisitScotland’s director of events, Paul Bush, said the festival had cemented itself as a key part of the Scottish calendar.
“Piping is a quintessential part of Scotland’s identity and Piping Live! is a fantastic week-long celebration of one of our most unique instruments and sounds,” he added.
“Events play an important role in our communities, providing the perfect stage to come together and share memorable experiences.
“EventScotland is proud to have supported Piping Live!, which has welcomed visitors and performers from around the world to enjoy the event’s exciting programme of performances and competitions.
“Congratulations to the organisers and all the volunteers on the successful delivery of the 21st edition of Piping Live!.”
Piping Live! will return next year between August 11 – 17.
