What’s On At The NPC…
National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland Concert
Tickets Available Soon!
Community Piping Clubs
Find Out More
Piping Live! 2026
Book Your TicketsThe World’s Biggest Celebration of Piping
Piping Live! 2026
National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland
Annual NYPBS Concert
NPC Spring Gathering
Join us for our Spring Gathering 2026!
Book Your Place Now
NPC Spring Gathering!
NPC Spring Gathering 2026
23–27 March 2026 | The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
Get Set for the Season — An Immersive Week of Piping, Learning & Community
Join us this spring for the National Piping Centre’s Spring Gathering, a five-day celebration of music, mastery and connection designed for pipers who want to play, learn and grow. Whether you’re preparing for the season ahead, refining technique, or simply looking to be inspired, this gathering offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in piping at the highest level.
World-Class Tuition from Leading Piping Educators
The Spring Gathering 2026 brings together an outstanding team of tutors, each offering a wealth of experience and insight:
- Dr Andrew Bova
- Margaret Houlihan
- Finlay MacDonald
- Fionnlagh Mac A’Phiocar
- Emma Hill
Across the week, participants will take part in a carefully curated programme of workshops, masterclasses and specialist sessions, tailored to suit a range of playing levels and musical interests.
More Than a Course — A Full Gathering Experience
NPC Gatherings are renowned for combining high-quality tuition with a warm, inclusive atmosphere. Alongside structured learning, the Spring Gathering offers plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow pipers and enjoy the social side of the week, including:
- Whole-group workshops and focused breakout sessions
- Tune learning and repertoire development
- Technique and performance masterclasses
- Evening social events and informal music-making
- Whisky tasting, sessions and fun group activities
It’s a chance not only to improve your playing, but to be part of a vibrant piping community.
Who Is the Spring Gathering For?
The Spring Gathering is open to intermediate-level players and above, and is ideal for:
- Solo pipers and band members
- Adult learners returning to piping or looking to progress
- Musicians seeking inspiration, confidence and fresh ideas
With expert guidance and a supportive environment, players are encouraged to challenge themselves while enjoying the process.
Join Us in Glasgow This Spring
📍 The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
📅 23–27 March 2026
🎟️ Full-week ticket includes all workshops, tuition and social events
Places are limited and demand is high. Book early to secure your place at one of the National Piping Centre’s most popular learning experiences and start the season inspired, motivated and connected.
Tickets Available Now!
National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland Annual Concert
National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland – Annual Concert
Presented by the National Piping Centre, the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland’s annual concert brings together the country’s most talented young pipers and drummers. Featuring the Junior, Development and Senior bands, the programme blends traditional favourites with fresh, modern compositions — a celebration of Scotland’s next generation of musicians and the future of piping.
Date: 18 April
Location: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Tickets: Available from the National Piping Centre and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Book Your Place Now
NPC Bellows Gathering!
1–3 May 2026 | The National Piping Centre, Glasgow
Join us this May for the Bellows Gathering 2026, a unique 2.5-day immersive course celebrating bellows-blown piping traditions, delivered in partnership with the Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society. Taking place at the National Piping Centre in Glasgow, this special weekend brings together players who want to deepen their understanding of smallpipes and other bellows-blown instruments in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Across the weekend, participants will take part in a varied programme of hands-on workshops, group sessions, one-to-one lessons and informal recitals, designed to help players get the most out of their instruments. From improving tone and setup to exploring repertoire and playing with others, the Bellows Gathering offers practical learning alongside plenty of opportunities to make music together.
Topics covered across the weekend include:
- Reed making and instrument setup
- Session repertoire and ensemble playing
- Gàidhlig song with smallpipes
- The history of bellows pipes and the folk revival
- Exploring repertoire from related piping traditions
As with all NPC Gatherings, the weekend combines expert tuition with a welcoming social atmosphere, with time built in for sessions, informal performances and meeting fellow pipers who share a passion for bellows-blown pipes.
Participants should bring their own instrument and have prior playing experience, as the course is designed for players who want to develop their skills, expand their repertoire and connect with the wider bellows piping community.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Piping Live! 2026
Piping Live! 2026
August 2026 | Glasgow, Scotland
The World’s Biggest Celebration of Piping
This summer, Glasgow once again becomes the global home of piping as Piping Live! 2026 returns for an unforgettable week of music, culture and community. Recognised as the world’s largest piping festival, Piping Live! brings together performers and audiences from across the globe to celebrate tradition, innovation and the power of live music.
From iconic competitions to cutting-edge concerts, intimate sessions to large-scale outdoor performances, Piping Live! offers a truly unique festival experience in the heart of Scotland.
The Festival Ground: Music All Day, Every Day
At the heart of Piping Live! is the Festival Ground at the National Piping Centre, a vibrant hub of sound, energy and discovery. Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy a packed programme across two outdoor stages:
Main Stage
Showcasing headline acts, international artists, major ensembles and standout performances from across the piping world.
Bothy Stage
A more intimate space celebrating sessions, emerging talent, collaborations and the social spirit of piping — informal, welcoming and full of surprises.
With performances running throughout the day, the Festival Ground is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere, discover new music and reconnect with friends old and new.
A Week of Unmissable Events
Piping Live! 2026 features a diverse programme designed to appeal to musicians, enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike, including:
- Masters Solo Piping Competition — a prestigious showcase of world-class piobaireachd and light music
- Headline evening concerts — featuring leading pipers, bands and cross-genre collaborations
- International piping traditions — celebrating global styles and instruments
- Emerging talent showcases — highlighting the next generation of pipers
- Workshops, talks and special events — offering deeper insight into piping, music and culture
Across the city, venues come alive with the sound of pipes, creating a festival atmosphere that’s unlike anything else.
For Pipers, Music Lovers and Everyone in Between
Whether you’re a competitive piper, a traditional music fan, or simply curious to experience something truly Scottish, Piping Live! has something for you. Expect:
- World-class musicians and performances
- A welcoming, inclusive festival atmosphere
- A mix of free outdoor events and ticketed concerts
- Music from morning until late into the night
No prior knowledge required — just come ready to listen, explore and enjoy.
Why Piping Live!
Piping Live! is more than a festival — it’s a global gathering of the piping community, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. It celebrates heritage while embracing innovation, creating space for tradition to thrive alongside new ideas and collaborations.
It’s loud, joyful, moving and unforgettable — and there’s nothing else quite like it.
Plan Your Visit
📅 August 2026
📍 Glasgow, Scotland
🎟️ Tickets available for individual events, concerts and competitions
Whether you join us for a single night or the whole week, Piping Live! 2026 promises extraordinary music, unforgettable moments and the unmistakable sound of summer in Glasgow.
Book early and be part of it..
