The International Bagpipe Organisation warmly invites you to participate in the Eighth International Bagpipe Conference (IBC) to mark International Bagpipe Day 2026 (10 March), a celebration of the world’s diverse bagpipes and bagpiping traditions. This year’s conference is organised in collaboration with the University of Leuven, the City of Leuven, 'T Ey Muziekclub, Muziekmozaïek, and the Musical Instrument Museum, Brussels.
In 2026, the conference moves to Belgium. We are delighted to host our first conference in this country, renowned for its longstanding bagpipe history and culture.
The conference will spread over three days, starting on Friday evening with a social event (details still to be confirmed). The conference will take place at the University of Leuven on Saturday, with a more socialising that evening. On Sunday, we will move to Brussels, a 20-minute train ride away. The conference will conclude with a series of panels at and a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels on Sunday, all to the sound of Belgium’s bagpipe communities who will perform throughout the day in the foyer of the Museum.
If you would like to submit an abstract, please read the full call for papers HERE.
In 2026, the conference moves to Belgium. We are delighted to host our first conference in this country, renowned for its longstanding bagpipe history and culture.
The conference will spread over three days, starting on Friday evening with a social event (details still to be confirmed). The conference will take place at the University of Leuven on Saturday, with a more socialising that evening. On Sunday, we will move to Brussels, a 20-minute train ride away. The conference will conclude with a series of panels at and a guided tour of the Musical Instrument Museum in Brussels on Sunday, all to the sound of Belgium’s bagpipe communities who will perform throughout the day in the foyer of the Museum.
If you would like to submit an abstract, please read the full call for papers HERE.
