THE sound of bagpipes returned to Glasgow at the weekend as this year’s Piping Live! festival got well under way.
As Scotland enters a new phase of freedom, the festival is set to host another seven days of world-class performances and competitions between now and Sunday.
In-person shows have returned to 2021 and are being staged for up to 1200 attendees as part of the annual event at The National Piping Centre.
A programme of online concerts will be available for those who can’t make the event in person, with more than 10,000 people across 20 countries around the world expected to tune in. And as the first full week of activity gets under way, music fans will be treated to some of the best acts in the piping and folk music scene.
Attendees will have the choice of listening to acts including the multi-instrumental duo of Mairearad Green and Anna Massie, Scottish supergroup Manran, folk favourites Kinnaris Quintet, traditional music trio Hecla and neo-trad trio Project Smok.
Finlay MacDonald, artistic director for Piping Live!, said: “This year’s Piping Live! festival has got underway in fantastic style as we saw the very best pipers alongside up and coming talent impress and entertain over the weekend.
“We’ve got so much more to come and this week will be jam-packed with a unique mix of unforgettable Scottish and international performances.
“People have been quick to snap up in-person tickets and we’re grateful for the unwavering support from local audiences as we mark the beginning of new freedoms for music lovers in Scotland.
“For our international followers, it’s fantastic to see so many take up the opportunity to experience Glasgow’s Piping Live! from their corner of the world.”
Tickets for online and in-person shows start at £5, up to £17.50, while online festival passes are available for £65. Tickets are available at www.pipinglive.co.uk
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