Ed Arnold has been playing the bagpipes for over 30 years. He learned to play while at school in his hometown of Chesterfield, before performing with various pipe bands, including the Seaforth Highlanders in Mansfield, Nottingham Police Pipe Band, Ashbourne Pipes and Drums, and Manchester Phoenix Pipe Band. Ed has enjoyed competing at notable events such as the British and World Championships.
Ed’s piping career has also seen him perform at countless weddings, parties, funerals, corporate events, fundraisers, and Burns Suppers. He has had the privilege of performing at weddings in Slovenia, Croatia, and Spain, and he relishes every opportunity to travel with his pipes. Ed maintains strong relationships with many funeral directors across Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire, and is often their first choice when they need a bagpiper.
As well as playing solo, Ed performs at many gigs with the Yorkshire-based Celtic rock band Gaelforce.
Ed is available to hire for any event. He has an extensive repertoire of Scottish and Irish music and can perform in traditional full Highland regimental dress. His tartans include Black Stewart, Royal Stewart, and the Irish tartan Diaspora. He also offers indoor performances on his electronic bagpipes, which have volume control and are better suited for wedding ceremonies and residential home performances. The electronic bagpipes can also play in different keys, making them adaptable for bands and orchestras.
Ed also teaches the bagpipes privately and online to both children and adults. For eight years, he taught groups of 16-year-old trainee soldiers at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, but the course was eventually discontinued due to funding cuts. Additionally, Ed has performed in many schools and given talks and Q&A sessions about the bagpipes and Scottish culture.
