South West Association of Uilleann Pipers(SWAUP) UK 2026 Tionol

Dates: Friday 28^th February evening to Sunday 2^nd March 2026 morning.

Location: The Bedford Hotel, Sidmouth, Devon, England

Workshops: Programme will be available nearer the time.  See highlights below.

Visiting pipers: Nollaig Mac Cárthaigh and Gay McKeon

Highlights of the Tionól include:

• Lovely accommodation in a hotel right on the seafront in Sidmouth Devon.
• Meals included – 3 course Dinner Friday evening; Saturday: Full English Breakfast, Lunch, 3 course Dinner; Sunday: Full English breakfast.  Vegetarian/Vegan/GF meal options available.
• Piping instruction (beginner, improver and advanced levels) throughout the weekend.
• Previous years we have had workshops such as maintaining your pipes, reed making, regulators, elder drone reed making, slow airs, new tunes and learn a well known tune better.
• Friday/Saturday evening sessions at the Bedford Hotel
• Saturday evening performance at the Hotel from our visiting pipers.
• Funny raffle – remember to bring along piping or strange and incongruous raffle prizes!
• Coffee and tea breaks
• Bring along piping items that you may want to sell or donate to SWAUP (our loan sets are in bad need of upgrading). Or if you want me to advertise to all the attendees let me know.

This is what you need to do next…

1. As soon as possible: Email megeeassoc@googlemail.com to secure a place or for more information
2. Pay a deposit by the 30th November: I’ll be asking for a deposit of £75 per person as usual, so you can be certain of your place and type of accommodation, and dietary requirements especially single occupancy.
3. Pay remainder by the 10th January.  Final price given in future email when I know numbers minus your deposit.

Estimated Rates:

Cost for the entire weekend per piper (assuming similar numbers to last year – but cheaper the more pipers we get!)
Standard double room £210 p.p.
Single occupancy supplement £20
Partners welcome -sharing double room with you- Reduced rates for non-piper attendees (£40 below)

Day attendees are welcome on the Saturday for £50 (not including food) per person.

Possibility of arranging pickup/ drop off to Exeter/Bristol airport if early notice is provided!