PIPING Live! is to return this year with a nine-day festival, although whether live audiences will be able to attend remains up in the air.
Packed full of world-class performances, music sessions, recitals, competitions, book launches and workshops, the annual festival has confirmed it will present its programme online due to ongoing coronavirus restrictions. However, if restrictions allow the team will do all they can to introduce a live audience element.
The Piping Live! team, thanks to funding supporters Glasgow Life and EventScotland, have put together an eclectic and varied programme that ensures the event stays true to its reputation as the world’s biggest piping festival.
Now in its 18th year, the 2021 festival, which will take place between August 7 and 15, will undoubtedly look a little different to previous editions.
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Despite the challenges of Covid, this year’s event will continue to extend its reach by providing a platform for pipers and musicians to do what they do best and perform for audiences both at home and abroad.
Finlay MacDonald, artistic director for Piping Live!, said: “It’s been a tough year for all of us but we’re so excited to be bringing audiences at home and abroad as close to our normal offering of entertainment as we possibly can for this year’s festival. If restrictions allow, we’ll be inviting live audiences to be part of the festival this year too. We’ll do all we can to try and make this possible, whilst ensuring we are adhering to all government guidelines.”
Councillor David McDonald, chair of Glasgow Life and depute leader of Glasgow City Council, added: “The unveiling of the Piping Live! programme is always a moment which brings with it the promise of some fantastic performances and memorable days and nights.
“While we are reading the online programme with huge anticipation for the music to come, we can also look forward to supporting artists and performers who will be a huge part of our shared recovery from the pandemic.”
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