THERE is a rare opportunity for music lovers to experience the best of European bagpipe playing in Okehampton tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday at the Piping Hot Bagpipe Weekend 2010, organised by Devon's folk arts development charity Wren Music.

Supported by The Bagpipe Society, the headline artists will be the Sardinian Launeddas pipe virtuoso Roberto Tangianu, appearing in the UK for the first time, multiple award-winning English Border piper David Faulkner, and internationally-renowned musician Nick Scott on the Irish Uilleann Pipes, along with supporting musicians and guest pipers.

Tomorrow, a bagpipe weekend ceilidh will be held in the Victory Hall, South Zeal, from 8pm to 11pm. It will feature a wide variety of English dance music from David Faulkner and the Wren Band, with guest spots from Roberto Tangianu, playing dance music from Sardinia, and local music from the Dartmoor Youth Folk Band.

A spokesman for Wren said: All the dances will be explained and no experience is necessary. Light refreshments will be available, and people are welcome to bring their own drinks.'

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

During the afternoon, from 2pm, all instruments are welcome at the two afternoon repertoire development workshops. Roberto will give a short performance on the Launeddas pipes and teach traditional tunes from Sardinia, and David will teach tunes from both English and Border repertoires.

The Bagpipe Weekend concert will be held in Fairplace Church, beginning at 8pm on Saturday.

The evening will feature solo performances by Roberto Tangianu, Nick Scott, and David Faulkner, and David will be joined in a special trio performance by pipers Jon Swayne from Blowzabella and Mike York from Red Dog Green Dog.

Advance booking is recommended, as workshop places are limited. Places can be reserved in advance from Wren Music.

More information can be found at http://www.wrenmusic.co.uk">www.wrenmusic.co.uk, or by calling 01837 53754.