THERE is a rare opportunity for music lovers to experience the best of European bagpipe playing in Okehampton next month, at the Piping Hot Bagpipe Weekend.

On Friday March 6, three of Europe's leading bagpipers will perform in concert — and it will be the first ever UK performance by two of them.

Devon-based Border piper David Faulkner is at the forefront of the English pipe tradition.

He is well known for his work with bands including The Eel Grinders and Zephyrus, and his solo work has included international tours and performances.

Bulgarian bagpiper Ventzislav Andonov is a virtuoso solo player renowned for his extensive repertoire which includes traditional music from all of the ethnographic regions of his country.

French piper Boris Trouplin plays Veuze pipes from south west Brittany as well as the Grande Cornemuse du Centre.

The concert will be held in Fairplace Church, Okehampton, starting at 8pm. It has been organised by folk arts development charity Wren Music and supported by The Bagpipe Society.

Tickets, £8 or £5 for concessions, are available from Wren Music, 1 St James Street.

On Saturday March 7, a ceilidh with a European flavour will be held in the Charter Hall, from 8pm to 11pm. The evening will feature one of Devon's most popular folk dance bands, The Eel Grinders, who are noted for their strong tunes, interweaving harmonies and lots of rhythm to get everyone up and dancing.

The line-up includes Border piper David Faulkner, Steve Turner on accordion, Helena Torpy on violin, and Lawrence Morgan-Anstee also playing bagpipes.

There will be dance music from English, French, Breton, and other European traditions. Tickets for the evening are £8, £5 concessions.

During Saturday, there will be a series of workshops designed to offer an outstanding opportunity for keen musicians to hone their instrumental skills, and to develop a greater understanding of vibrant musical traditions. These will be held in Fairplace Church Hall.

From 10am to 1pm, Boris Trouplin and David Faulkner will lead workshops for bagpipers. The classes will be for pipes in the key of G. If you have D pipes and would like to join in, contact David Faulkner to see what can br arranged — email [email protected]">[email protected] or call 01837 53754.

From 2pm to 5pm all instruments are welcome at two afternoon workshops. Boris will teach tunes from French traditions, and David will teach tunes from both English and Border repertoires.

Fees for the workshops are £30, £20 concessions for all morning and afternoon, and £15 full, £10 concessions for the morning or afternoon only. For all the Saturday events, tickets are £35 full, £23 concessions.

Places can be reserved from Wren Music. For more information go to http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk, or call 01837 53754.