About us
Colchester's Lower Castle park is turned into a mini Highland Gathering as pipes and drums from across the south of England play amazing medleys of Scottish tunes as they perform in the arena. You can admire a range of colourful tartan kilts as they march along, and an authentic Scottish atmosphere is created through the additional presence of Scottish dancers. And around the field are plenty of entertainments for all ages.
Scottish Dancing
The traditional Highland dances include the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, Sean Truibhs, Hornpipes and other favourites, all performed in traditional dress.
Buy a programme - lucky number wins bottle of Malt Whisky
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Arena Timetable 2026
(full details in programme)
1000 Solo contests begin
1016 Quartets contests
1200 Full band contests
1625 Massed bands finale
1000-1530 Highland dancing contests
The first Scotland in Colchester event was organised in 1994 by Lieutenant Colonel Willie Allan on behalf of the London and South East Branch of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. His aim was to provide a local contest to encourage and develop pipe bands in southern England, and with that in mind his family have donated the Willie Allan Plate as first prize in the Grade Four competition. Past mayor Colin Sykes has generously donated the Sykes Salver as the first prize for the Grade 4A contest.
Colchester City Council have supported and promoted Pipes in the Park as one of the highlights of their outdoor musical season in Lower Castle Park, a superb setting for this family day out. We are particularly grateful for the continued support of Essex Caledonian Pipe Band plus volunteer stewards from Ipswich Piping Society, other local musicians and Kelvedon Rotary Club who assist on the day.