Friday 28th (~4.30pm) to Sunday 30th August 2026 (~3pm)

Castlemaine, Victoria, Dja Dja Wurrung Country, Australia

For the 2026 Goldfields Piping Weekend we offer classes in uilleann pipes and Scottish smallpipes, and a stimulating exploration of the baroque musette. Pipers of all levels will find stimulation, inspiration and development in this weekend-long program of group tutorials, sessions, and performances, plus loads of fun. We are delighted to announce our tutors for the weekend:

Special guest Simon Rickard, baroque musette (pictured, image by Lando Rossi)

Matt Horsley, uilleann pipes

Pat Lyons, uilleann pipes

Geoff Jones, Scottish smallpipes

Merran Moir, Scottish smallpipes

Amy Friend, stretch and preparation

We welcome special guest Simon Rickard. Find out more about Simon and his classes at the bottom of this page.

We also welcome our faculty of piping tutors teaching beginner and intermediate classes in uilleann pipes and Scottish smallpipes, and special-interest topics. Classes are held on the Saturday and Sunday starting from 9.30am.

The 2026 soiree will be interwoven with our Saturday evening meal in a private, cosy, supportive setting. Our annual Goldfield soiree offers the opportunity for all participants to gain rehearsal and performance experience in a casual and supportive environment. Pipers of all levels are invited to participate, contributing an item to perform. There will be time on the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon to rehearse with other participants to prepare items., or bring something you've already prepared!

A highlight and feature of the weekend will be a public concert presented by Celtic Piping Club in a favourite Castlemaine venue, on Sunday 30 August early afternoon. The concert will be a performance by Ensemble Pompadour featuring Simon Rickard on baroque musette and Nick Pollock on theorbo. The concert is included in the weekend or Sunday ticket, and extra tickets will be available for purchase by community, family and friends. Further details coming soon.

The annual Goldfields Piping Weekend is best suited to people who play or are interested in:

• Uilleann pipes

• Scottish smallpipes

• Other types of pipes including Northumbrian smallpipes, English pipes, other pipes

• Other folk instruments

Piping tuition streams will be offered for uilleann pipes beginner and intermediate, and Scottish smallpipes beginner and intermediate. There is no minimum standard of playing or experience required. All participants have the opportunity to learn from and alongside each other.

Breakfasts: for those staying at Campbell Lodge, help-yourself continental breakfast items will be available. Good coffee is available from cafes in Castlemaine.

Lunches: Saturday and Sunday lunch is not supplied. There is time allocated in the program to source lunch from local cafes or shops.

Dinners: Friday evening meal is provided. The Saturday evening meal is also included, and will be enjoyed together as part of the Soiree.

As usual, we request everyone lends a hand to assist with meals preparation and clean-up. 

Campbell House 1882: 31 Campbell Street, Castlemaine

Ray Bradfield Room: 33 Forest St, Castlemaine

Buckley Hall, St Mary's Church precinct, 78 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine

Other venues TBA

Full weekend:  $165 members / $215 non-members

Full weekend partner/non-participant: $115 members / $165 non-members

Friday evening pass:  $45 members / $55 non-members

Saturday day pass: $95 members / $115 non-members

Sunday day pass: $75 members / $95 non-members

There is space for 18 people to stay onsite at Campbell House 1882, 31 Campbell Street, Castlemaine.

Bedrooms: All rooms sleep two people, either as two singles or one king bed. When making your booking you will be able to request or nominate your room mate or room allocation preference. See the Campbell House webpage for more details, including the floorplan (image 51 of the photo gallery).

Bathrooms: All shared bathrooms. There are no ensuite rooms.

Bookings: $160 per person for two nights. If you would like to secure a private room for yourself, you will need to purchase two beds for both nights.

Participants may otherwise book their own local accommodation. The Castlemaine Colonial Motel is very close by and offers a number of private rooms. Further close by options can be found at Castlemaine Boutique Accommodation.