About
Professional Bagpiper for Weddings, Funerals & Events Across the UK and AbroadWith over 30 years of experience, Ed Arnold is one of the UK’s most trusted and in-demand professional bagpipers. Based in Yorkshire but available to travel across the UK and internationally, Ed is frequently booked to perform at funerals, weddings, memorial services, and special events of all kinds
A Lifelong Love of the Bagpipes
Ed’s family roots lie in Scotland, and from an early age he was surrounded by traditional Scottish music. Family trips north of the border often included unforgettable moments watching street pipers and parade bands, which left a deep and lasting impression. That early fascination soon turned into a passion, and Ed began learning the bagpipes — a craft that would grow into a lifelong pursuit and professional career.
He was taught by the respected Pipe Major Alec Maclean and began performing with the Mansfield Seaforth Highlanders. Ed went on to compete with Ashbourne Pipes and Drums, before joining the Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band. With Phoenix, he performed at major competitions across England and the UK, and was part of the band’s success in winning the All England Championships three times.

A Trusted Bagpiper for Life’s Most Important Moments
Today, Ed performs solo across the country and beyond. He is regularly hired to play at:
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Funerals and memorial services, offering a poignant and respectful tribute
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Weddings, adding a powerful and unforgettable touch to the ceremony and celebrations
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Burns Night and St Andrew’s Day events, particularly for care homes and community groups
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Corporate and Masonic functions, including formal openings and annual dinners
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Private parties, charity events, and VIP occasions

International Bagpiper for Hire
Ed is also available for international bookings, and has performed at destination weddings and private events across Europe — including in Spain, France, Germany, Croatia, and Slovenia. Whether you’re planning a castle wedding, a beach ceremony, or a VIP event abroad, Ed can provide the perfect musical backdrop.


Media, Celebrity & Stadium Appearances
Ed has played at Sir Alex Ferguson’s 80th birthday party, performed live at Hull KR rugby matches, and piped for fans arriving at Manchester United and Derby Rams games. He’s also appeared at music festivals and football VIP events in Ibiza, sharing lineups with high-profile guests such as Steven Gerrard.
Tuition
From 2012 to 2020, Ed was the lead piping tutor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, helping train the next generation of military pipers. He now offers online and in-person bagpipe lessons for learners of all levels.
Celtic Rock
In 2024, Ed joined Gaelforce, a Leeds-based Celtic rock band known for their powerful fusion of traditional Irish and Scottish music with hard rock. He stepped in as their new piper following the relocation of the previous member to Scotland. Ed now performs with Gaelforce at events and festivals across the UK and Europe — including international appearances such as Costa Fest in Ibiza.


Tuition & Celtic Rock
From 2012 to 2020, Ed was the lead piping tutor at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, helping train the next generation of military pipers. He now offers online and in-person bagpipe lessons for learners of all levels.
In 2025, he joined Gaelforce, a Celtic rock band based in Leeds, and performs with them across the UK and Europe.
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