Pipes and Trad Music Fest

The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust are thrilled to announce that we will once again host our highly anticipated open-air Trad Music Festival from Thursday 11th to Friday 12th June, 2026.  This unique event offers an incredibly opportunity for school-age performers to showcase their talent in front of a lively audience in the heart of Edinburgh.

The festival’s exciting programme features performances from pipe bands, ceilidh groups, and traditional music ensembles, all highlighting the remarkable skills of young musicians.  Performances will take place a The Mound Precinct, one of Edinburgh’s most iconic venues, situated next to one of the city’s busiest streets, providing a stunning backdrop for all to enjoy.

This is your chance to perform live in a high-profile setting and gain valuable experience in entertaining the public.  Whether you’re a school group, pipe band, or traditional music ensemble, the festival offers a platform to showcase the best of Scottish musical heritage while captivating a diverse and enthusiastic audience.

Why participate?

  • Gain performing experience in a prime location in Edinburgh
  • Showcase your traditional instruments and musical talent to a wide audience
  • Have your group’s performance recognised and appreciated by the public.
  • All proceeds from voluntary donations made during performances will be distributed to participating groups within a month of the event.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the vibrant celebration of youth music!

Register your interest now by emailing [email protected] or complete the online application form here

 

2026 Programme is Live!

 

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN

Entry Guidelines

  • Performing periods of up to 30-minutes each will be available in the morning and afternoons slots of each day.
  • Bands and groups are encouraged to consider more than one performance, to make best of your time in Edinburgh, though it is not necessary.
  • Bands and groups must set up, perform and depart within the 30 minute slot. We encourage as much of the slot to be entertainment and performance as possible.
  • The stage provided is covered, providing shelter from wind and rain.

  • To ensure every group sounds their best — especially those whose instruments don’t naturally project like pipes and drums — the stage will be fully equipped with a professional PA system provided by Live Systems Ltd, Edinburgh including:

    • Full‑range PA system with subs
    • Digital mixer with 16 inputs
    • Two on‑stage wedge monitors (foldback)
  • Coach drops off are possible at location, parking nearby will be at band and group discretion.
  • There will be nearby dressing room space available if required. Each band / group will be given a timetabled slot to use the space on either side of your performance time.
  • Deadline for applications was 5pm on Friday 22nd May 2026 .

Interested in taking part? 

Please complete the application form by clicking here . The deadline for this was Friday 22nd May, 2026.  The committee will then be in touch after the deadline date to confirm your place. Places are not guaranteed, but will be granted subject to programme availability and volume of applications.

Eligibility

  • Groups are to comprise a minimum of four and a maximum of seventeen players.
  • Performers must be of school age but may be accompanied by a performing adult.
  • There will be no charge for the use of the venue or for event organisation but, for the most part, participating groups will be expected to fund their own expenses.

Travel Expenses Support

For groups based more than 100 miles from Edinburgh, the Trust will meet up to half of reasonable group accommodation, coach hire and ferry costs up to a maximum of £500.  Claimants are expected to use public transport concessions where available, and are advised to submit requests for financial help prior to booking any arrangements. Please indicate on your application form whether you expect to make a request for financial help. Please note this is not a deciding factor in whether your application is successful – SSPDT are dedicated to providing support where possible so that financial circumstances are not exclusionary for participation.