Families

Northumbrian Pipers Gathering

Sunday, 14th June 2026

We’re hosting a gathering of the region’s small pipe players to showcase the music and the sound of this extra-ordinary instrument.
One of the region’s great traditions is music, song and dance, the small pipes have withstood the test of time to be herald of the region still today.

Beamish prides itself on the capturing the sights and essence of the North. It’s a living history where visitors can immerse themselves in an authentic experience. There is also an iconic sound of the region and it belongs to an unique form of bagpipe, the Northumbrian Small Pipes.

We’re hosting a gathering of the region’s small pipe players to showcase the music and the sound of this extra-ordinary instrument.

Pipers play at ceremonial and civic occasions, degree ceremonies. They mark the important moments in our lives like weddings and funerals. They accompany our dances and fill the air with the music in pubs and clubs.

At this gathering, pipers will play a wide range of tunes from slow airs that evoke the hills and wild spaces to foot tapping dance tunes and song melodies. At a gathering, pipers sit around and play and everyone is welcome to take a rest for a few minutes and listen to the sound.

The gathering will be playing in and around the 1950s welfare hall for the shared delight of visitors, with plenty of opportunity to ask about the pipes, their history and the characters who play them.

For more information, keep checking back here or follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

As with all daytime events, you can use your Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership to enjoy this special event.

Beamish reserves the right to alter events, activities, facilities, operations and opening times without prior notice.