Events you can hire a bagpiper for
Weddings
Bagpipers can add a traditional and romantic touch to weddings, especially for ceremonies with Scottish, Irish or medieval themes. Bagpipes often play during key moments like the processional, recessional, or to welcome guests.
ceilidh’s + Partys
Ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) are traditional Gaelic social gatherings, which are popular across Scotland and Ireland, and have also found a place in broader Celtic culture. Rooted in rich cultural heritage, a ceilidh is characterized by folk/country dancing (usually there’s a dance caller) & lively music, usually played by a band featuring instruments like fiddles, bagpipes, accordions, and flutes.
St Paddy’s / St Patricks Day
Hiring a bagpiper for St. Patrick’s Day is a splendid way to embrace and celebrate Irish heritage and culture. St. Patrick’s Day, a day rich in history and festivity, commemorates the patron saint of Ireland and is marked worldwide with parades, music, and green-themed events. A bagpiper adds an authentic touch to the celebrations, resonating deeply with the Celtic roots of the holiday. The stirring sound of the bagpipes can elevate the atmosphere, bringing a sense of traditional festivity and joy. Whether leading a parade, performing at a party, or playing in a ceremonial setting, a bagpiper’s presence on St. Patrick’s Day is a nod to the historical significance of Scottish and Irish music and a lively addition that complements the day’s spirited and communal essence.
Memorials + Funerals
Bagpipes have a long association with solemnity and remembrance, making them fitting for funerals and memorial services. “Amazing Grace” is a commonly requested piece at these events but there are many other songs/tunes that are also appropriate for funerals and memorials.
Corporate events
In corporate settings, bagpipers might be hired to add a touch of distinction and entertainment to conferences, grand openings, or special corporate celebrations.
concerts + festivals
In Wyoming, hiring a bagpiper to play at concerts or festivals adds a unique and enchanting element to the event. The rich, resonant tones of the bagpipes can captivate and intrigue audiences, offering a cultural experience that stands out amidst Wyoming’s scenic landscapes and rugged charm. Whether it’s to honor heritage, add a touch of solemnity, or simply to enjoy the mesmerizing sound of this traditional instrument, a bagpiper at a Wyoming festival or concert can create a memorable and deeply atmospheric experience for attendees.
public events + parades
Bagpipers often perform at public events like parades, community gatherings, and sports events, where they add a lively and spirited atmosphere. If you’re having a parade, look at hiring a full band to lead the parade, as opposed to one piper.
Burns Supper / burns night
Honoring Scotland’s beloved poet, Robert Burns, A Burns supper is traditionally held on January 25th of each year.
The ceremonial Address to the Haggis becomes a focal point of the evening. Accompanied by a bagpiper, the chef proudly parades the haggis around the room, with guests clapping rhythmically to the pipe music.
As the haggis is presented, the addresser recites the iconic poem, bringing a touch of Scottish literary heritage to Wyoming. Following the recitation, a celebratory whisky toast is offered to the chef, piper, and guests, symbolizing camaraderie and cultural appreciation. The haggis, accompanied by tatties and neeps, then becomes the centerpiece of the meal, shared among guests in a communal, hearty fashion. This tradition not only honors Robert Burns but also creates a bridge between Scottish customs and the diverse cultural landscape of Wyoming.
New Years / Hogmanay / ring in the bells
It’s a Scottish tradition on new years ever (called Hogmanay in Scotland) for a piper to ring in the new year. following the countdown to midnight a piper will play a tune.
Hogmanay is the Scots word for the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year (Gregorian calendar) in the Scottish manner. It’s one of the country’s most significant national celebrations, possibly even more important than Christmas in Scottish culture.
The playing of bagpipes at midnight serves several purposes:
- Cultural Significance: Bagpipes are a strong symbol of Scottish identity and heritage. Their music is traditionally associated with important events and ceremonies.
- Marking the New Year: The powerful sound of bagpipes is used to mark the passing of the old year and the arrival of the new year. It’s a signal for celebration, much like the ringing of bells is used in other cultures.
- First Footing Tradition: The first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight is called the “first-footer” and is thought to bring good luck for the coming year. Bagpipers often take on this role, playing as they enter homes or establishments, believed to bring good fortune with their music.
- Auld Lang Syne: It is also common for the song “Auld Lang Syne,” a Scots-language poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song, to be played by pipers or sung by the crowd at midnight. This song is a staple of New Year’s celebrations, reflecting on old friendships and the passing of time.
The combination of the New Year, the tradition of first-footing, and the cultural importance of bagpipes in Scotland makes the playing of bagpipes at midnight a fitting and emotional part of Scottish New Year’s Eve celebrations.
