Pipe and drums spectacle is the biggest one in Bideford for many years

The awe-inspiring Bideford Massed Pipes & Drums event has been hailed a great success and the largest in the town for many years.

More than 150 pipers and drummers from 14 pipe bands across England and Wales gathered for the annual festival hosted by Bideford Youth Pipe Band.

The bands always join forces with Bideford Carnival and add an extra dimension to the parade that won’t be seen at any other Devon carnivals.

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Following the carnival itself, all the pipe bands paraded along Bideford Quay, playing as darkness fell.

In control of the massed band was Pipe Major Gaylena Humphries from the Bideford Youth Pipe Band and leading from the front was Drum Major Matt Bello of the Scots Guards.

Above: Senior Pipe Major Gaylena Humphries makes a presentation to new chieftain of the gathering Jim Weeks. Credit: Graham Hobbs

This unique event brings piper and drummers from all over England and Wales. The Accrington Pipe Band came down from Lancashire to take part. They are the oldest civilian pipe band in the world, formed 140 years ago in 1885.  

The City of Plymouth Pipe Band, regulars at the event, were celebrating their 50th anniversary and also success in pipe band competitions, including an outstanding sixth place in their grade at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow last month.

Event organiser Mike Harper said: “This was one of the biggest massed bands we’ve had in Bideford for many years. Over 150 pipers and drummers took part over the weekend.”

Senior Pipe Major Gaylena Humphries added: “This year’s Bideford Massed Pipes and Drums was another resounding success, making up one of the largest bands we’ve ever had.

“The energy and musicianship on display were truly impressive, making the event a memorable highlight for all involved.”

The occasion was also memorable for Bideford’s town crier Jim Weeks, was appointed as the ‘Chieftain of the Gathering’ for this year's event.

Unfortunately the Sunday morning ‘pips in the park’ event, usually an informal pipe ‘jamming session’ to round out the weekend, had to be cancelled due to the severe rain.

**** See more pictures in our gallery above, courtesy of Graham Hobbs ****