Following a highly successful inaugural event in 2024, the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust (SSPDT), with support from The City of Edinburgh Council and the National Galleries of Scotland, will host this vibrant open-air music festival on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th June 2025.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Edinburgh’s skyline and the Royal Scottish Academy at the Mound Precinct, the festival will feature 13 performances from school pipe bands, ceilidh groups, and traditional music ensembles representing Edinburgh, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, East Lothian and the Highlands
Building on the enthusiasm and energy of last year, this event continues to offer a free and un-ticketed opportunity for the public to support Scotland’s talented young musicians. Visitors can drop by throughout the day, enjoy world-class youth performances in a stunning setting, and make a donation – all proceeds go directly to the participating music groups.
Lindsay MacKenzie, CEO of SSPDT, said: “Last year’s festival was a truly special celebration of talent, teamwork, and tradition. We’re thrilled to bring it back for 2025. These performances give young musicians a chance to grow in confidence and share their hard work with the public – it’s a powerful and inspiring thing to witness.”
The event continues SSPDT’s commitment to increasing access to piping and traditional music in Scottish state schools, helping young people build resilience, confidence, and cultural pride through performance.
The full programme is below with performances running from 10am to 5pm each day. Visitors are warmly encouraged to come along, invite friends, and support the next generation of Scotland’s musical heritage.
Donations during the event will be shared among the performers, helping to sustain their music-making for the future.