Ferndale in the Rhondda Fach valley

SWUP Committee

Session after 2009 tionól

About the South Wales Uilleann Pipers

Piping can be a lonely business, and not just because most folk would not want to be within a mile of a learner (or even a good player for that matter). Finding a fellow player can be a problem as they tend to be few and far between, especially away from Ireland.

The South Wales Uilleann Pipers were formed in the middle of 2008 by Meirion Williams. We are a self-help group, swapping tips gained from any source and learning from each other. We also hold occasional day workshops and pay for a tutor (Alan Burton) to help out.

The first meetings were in Cardiff but now they have migrated to Ferndale in the Rhondda Fach. We meet every 6 weeks or so, and occasionally in between. We play traditional Irish music and while the focus is obviously on the pipes other musicians are welcome to join in.

Our first two tionól included piping and reed making workshops and an evening concert. Both were well attended and the musicianship was excellent. The evening concert is held in Tylorstown church and showcases a range of musical instruments and styles, including a headlining set by the uilleann pipe tutor. The acoustics of the church make this a very special event indeed. The tionól has now become a regular feature of the South Wales music scene.