THE world’s first interactive bagpipe jukebox will visit Glasgow today to give the public a taster of the upcoming Piping Live! Festival.
The 8ft-tall jukebox, which will appear on the corner of Buchanan Street and Gordon Street from 11.30am to 1.30pm, has a live piper inside.
Crowds will enjoy tunes like Lewis Capaldi’s Someone You Loved and other chart-topping favourites, before being invited to push a button and select the genre of the next song.
Hotly-tipped young piper Danny Hutcheson will be playing the pipes at the innovative attraction.
Roddy MacLeod, festival director, said: “From the latest chart hits, to the best known rock tunes and traditional Scottish folk, our piping jukebox shows the versatility of the pipes and offers a taste of what’s to come at Piping Live!
“Our programme is just as eclectic as the Jukebox’s songbook and we welcome everyone to come and experience all the festival fun with us when it takes place between August 10 and 18.”
Now in its 16th year, Piping Live is the biggest festival of its kind. Last year more than 40,000 fans, families and tourists travelled from around the world to see 5000 pipers perform at 150 events across the city.
Performers from as far afield as New Zealand, Malaysia and Canada will appear at this year’s festival, while the Masters Solo, International Quartet and Pipe Idol competitions will make a return.
Paul Bush, VisitScotland’s director of events, said: “Events play a key role in our visitor economy and EventScotland is delighted to be continuing its support of Piping Live!, which attracts visitors and performers from all over the world to experience its exciting programme of performances and competitions.”
A number of pop stars have duetted with pipers in recent years, including Tom Walker and Ed Sheeran. Other celebrity fans of the bagpipes include Sir Billy Connolly, Ewan McGregor and Sir Alex Ferguson.
To find out more visit pipinglive.co.uk.
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