The Piping Live! Big Band will return for its 9th showcase at this year’s festival. Pipers of all ages and abilities are invited to take part. In 2026, the Big Band will parade from Mansefield Park in Partick to the concourse at the iconic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It will step off on this 0.5mile route at 12noon, arriving at the museum around 12.20pm.

The Piping Live! Big Band is a mass participation event that opens our festival. 200 pipers will gather, ranging from young learners playing their chanters, to seasoned professionals playing the pipes in their retirement.

The Big Band will walk the streets of Glasgow performing a repertoire of tunes that everyone can play. The Piping Live! Big Band is open to anyone who plays a practice chanter, bagpipes, snare, bass or tenor drum, or is a drum major! All ages are welcome. Past events welcomed musicians aged 8-86.

REGISTRATIONS WILL OPEN SHORTLY

Big Band Stewards
To help make sure the Piping Live! Big Band all happens without a hitch, we are looking for stewards to help marshall at the parade. You dont need any prior expereince, and will be given a hi-vis vest and on the day instructions. You will march with the parade, making sure our participants stay safe while playing.
 
If you would like to be a Big Band Steward, please email contact@pipinglive.co.uk