NEWCASTLETON MUSIC FESTIVAL is not run under the usual formal auspices of solo piping bodies. After a hiatus of several years the organising committee have once again included piping in their array of many competitions for fiddle music, ballad singing, etc.Â
The class of events has been simplified away from the classic MSR, H&J idiom on a ‘suck it & see’ basis to try and attract entries not only from amateur competing pipers, but especially to also encourage those pipers of a non-competitive background who have always fancied having a wee go, but fear stepping onto the boards. Additionally an event class for under 16s is included and also for best traditionally dressed piper.
Adjudication will be not by ‘top flight’ accredited judges but by other friendly experienced pipers. Should the re-instatement of solo piping for 2026 a success, it is hoped to continue and widen the scope of the competition for next year in an area of Scotland where there has been a dearth of solo piping events for several years Â
There is a preference for on line entries which close on 21st June, however there may space for an odd late entry on day subject to a small surcharge. The competition will take place in the Village hall, Langholm Street, Newcastleton, TD9 0QX – so no worries about the weather! Enter via newcastletonmusicfestival@outlook.com or via their Facebook page.
The pretty rural village of Newcastleton known to many as ‘Copshaw Holm’ lies along side the River Liddel, Roxburghshire in the Scottish Borders. A music festival has been an annual feature here for over 50 years. The classic folk song Copshaw Holm Fair is evocative of the event, festival atmosphere and the areas rich Scots Border culture.
Camping and caravan facilities are available locally also.
