Bideford comes alive to the sound of piping

Bideford Quay will provide the back drop for the biggest gathering of pipers and drummers in the South West this weekend.

Around 5,000 spectators are expected to attend the ninth annual mass piping and drumming festival which begins with a concert on Friday 7th September and concludes on Sunday 9th.

Mike Harper, event co-ordinator for the festival, said; "People love it. We're expecting 12 bands and around 150 participants. Bands are coming from as far afield as Harwich. Bideford will become the centre of the piping world for the weekend."

The packed programme of events includes the colourful Bideford Carnival on Saturday evening at 6pm, followed by Bideford's Massed Pipes and Drums at 7.45pm and a spectacular firework display at 9.30pm. A lone piper will also play beside the Charles Kingsley statue on Bideford Quay on Sunday at 11.00am.

The programme is as follows:

Friday night – September 7

Concert - Folkin Rock with "The Dambuskers" at the Pollyfield Centre

Doors open 7.30pm - Starts 8pm, tickets £6 (pre-booked) £7.50 on the night.

Tickets from Mike Harper on 01237 422477 or email: tickets@rockbymail.co.uk

Saturday – September 8

Massed Pipes & Drums Rehearsal at 4.30pm

Bideford Carnival at 6pm

Massed Pipes & Drums at 7.45pm*

Fireworks at 9.30pm*

*approximate times

Sunday – September 9

Piping in the Park, starting with the lone piper at 11.00am

For more information go to www.bidefordmassedbands.co.uk