As well as performing at weddings and funerals I am often asked to perform at birthday parties, christenings, charity events, fundraiser's, carnivals, and other public, private and corporate events.

Birthday Parties

When people book me to play at birthday parties it is often as a surprise for a loved one who may be Scottish, or just somebody special that has a great fondness for Scotland and the sound of the highland bagpipes. It is always effective and makes a persons birthday very emotional and memorable.

I have played at a number of birthday parties in people's homes. Often the person who books me will ask me to arrive in full attire so that I can start playing a few yards down the street and walk up to the house to surprise the birthday boy/girl. I will then wish them happy birthday, introduce myself, ask them a bit about themselves, find out if they have any favorite bagpipe tunes and play them for them (if I know the tunes). I will also play several melodies throughout the duration of my stay including well known Scottish favorites and some fast strathspeys, jigs, reels and hornpipes to get feet tapping and hopefully one or two dancing!

If the birthday party is being held in a hired venue I will generally be asked to pipe in the birthday cake as an extra surprise for the birthday boy / girl.

Testimonials

'My mother had a perfect night thanks to you, she hasn't stopped talking about it and watches the video recordings constantly! Thankyou so much.'

-Sandra (Lancaster)

'Ed played for a members 90th Birthday at the Norton Country Club where i work.
He is absolutely amazing! Made the night!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.'

- Abi Hewitt (Sheffield)

'Can I just say how brilliant Ed was and what a great addition to my mum's party he was, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you or use your service again, Brilliant.'

- Feedack sent to Ed's agents Piper For Hire (Manchester)

'Thank you for your message after the party; it was a great afternoon, much enhanced by your playing and that of the drummer of course also. Everyone has said how much they enjoyed the party, and Jane in particular was shell shocked for the rest of her stay with us ! Again, our thanks for helping make the afternoon such an enjoyable success.'

-Frank and Gill Partington (Barnsley)

'I've heard you were the star turn of the night,they're all talking about
you. Thank you very much for an excellent performance,I for one will be using
you again.'

- Ian Rogers (Derby)

 

Carnivals

The bagpipes are a great addition to carnivals. I have been booked to lead parades through villages and into the carnival grounds for Barlow (Chesterfield), North Wingfield (Chesterfield), and Dove Holes (Buxton). I have also lead a parade through the streets of Dawley (Telford) with a side drummer for the turning on of the Xmas lights 2008.

Testimonials

Thank you both for coming last night, you both sounded fantastic. It was a shame about the weather and i think that kept a few people away but despite that i think we had a great turnout considering.

- Helen Williams - Dawley

'Many thanks again for playing at our wedding and also for your performance at Barlow Carnival, we are still receiving wonderful remarks about you'

- Elaine Graham (Barlow, Chesterfield)

 

Corporate Events

I have performed at a number of corporate events including:-

Arnold Clarke new store opening day in Stafford. This involved piping outside as VIP guests entered the store.

Rolls Royce Burn's Supper - Derby. This involved piping guests into the room. Piping in the haggis and performing several medleys throughout the evening.

Club LS1 - Leeds. Burn's Supper. Same as above..

 

 

 

Time Nightclub opening in Derby. This involved performing on the back of an old open top fire engine while it was driven through Derby city center and piping guests into the night club on a weekly basis for a month.

Derby Football Club. This involved piping guests into the football club for a game against Crystal Palace.

York Railway Museum.This involved a photo shoot for local papers to help gain publicity for their campaign to raise funds for the renovation of the Flying Scotsman. I subsequently appeared in the Yorkshire Post and the Northern Echo.

 

 

 

The IIFA (Bollywood) Awards This is my most high profile performance to date and involved performing on stage in front of 12'000+ people (including celebrities) at the Sheffield Arena. The show was broadcast on Star TV worldwide.

Rugby Football League (RFL). This involved making a light hearted mockery of Scotland promo video for the RFL which was played at the Magic Weekend in Edinburgh. It basically involved myself being chased by Rugby mascots while playing the bagpipes on top of the Bradford moors!