THE sound of the Highlands comes to Okehampton this Saturday, July 5. The Wren Bagpipe Day will coincide with Okehampton Festival of Food and Folk. The event, which takes place in Fairplace Church Hall, will offer the chance for players to be inspired and hone their skills, provide a chance for them to perform in the street, and the day will end with a dance in the Charter Hall, when all the community will be able to dance to the sound of bagpipes. The tutors for the day are Devon's award-winning piper David Faulkner and pipe guru Andy Letcher. They will be looking at developing playing technique and skills associated with the English and Central France music traditions, ensemble playing, improvisation and performance skills. An extra special addition to the day is an absolute beginners workshop led by Phil Williams, giving budding musicians the chance to try out ten small pipes. Booking for this session is required. In the evening a special French and Breton Dance will take place with music from two of England's leading European dance bands — the Eelgrinders and Wod. An introduction to the dances will take place at the Charter Hall at 7pm and this will lead into the main dance event at 8pm. The bagpipe day is now in its seventh year and has previously featured internationally known musicians from Bulgaria, Sardinia, France, America, Ireland, Wales and the North East of England. Event organiser David Faulkner said: 'It's going to be a great day, there will be something for everyone. You can listen to the music in the streets, if you have never played before you can join an absolute beginners workshop and have a go on some pipes, if you already play you can come along and work hard on improving etc and in the evening there is a chance for everyone to have a dance — sounds fantastic to me.' For more information visit http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk or call 01837 53754.