Piping Live! is thrilled to announce a brand-new event to its festival programme line-up: The Drum Corps Series. For the first time the festival will feature four of the world’s elite Grade 1 drum corps to take to the Centre Stage at 1pm daily, offering an intimate look at their full competition sets just days before the World Pipe Band Championships.
Featuring some of the top pipe band drummers in the world, this brand-new strand offers a rare chance to hear these world-class ensembles at full tilt, right before they step into the circle.
Monday: Simon Fraser University – Led by the legendary J. Reid Maxwell, the SFU corps is one of the most decorated in history, bringing a dynamic sound defined by innovation and clarity.
Tuesday: Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia – Under David Henderson, this corps continues a formidable legacy of power and precision, maintaining their status as a global benchmark for excellence.
Wednesday: Inveraray & District – Led by Steven McWhirter, this ensemble is celebrated for redefining modern pipe band drumming with a bold, contemporary sound.
Thursday: St. Laurence O’Toole – With Stephen Creighton at the helm, the Dublin-based corps brings its signature creativity and expressive flair to the Grade 1 arena.
The Drum Corps Series takes place as part of our Center Stage programme, all of which is included with a Piping Live! Day Pass or Festival Week Pass.
Piping Live! is also delighted to confirm the return of the Gordon Duncan Memorial Competition on Wednesday, 12th August at 2:15pm in the National Piping Centre Auditorium
This unique event celebrates the late Gordon Duncan’s genre-defying legacy by bringing together four world-class pipers representing the traditions of Scotland, Ireland, and Brittany.
Tickets for the Gordon Duncan Memorial Competion are priced at £15 (Adults) and £13 (Concessions & U16s). Please ensure you have Festival Wednesday Site Ticket or Week Pass before purchasing tickets for this event.
The festival extends its sincere gratitude to the Gordon Duncan Memorial Trust for their ongoing support.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Piping Live! 2026, including Day Passes and Festival Week Passes, are available now. For more information on the full lineup and to book your spot, visit pipinglive.co.uk