International Bagpipe Festival gets underway in Strakonice

The 23rd International Bagpipe Festival opens in the south Bohemian town of Strakonice on Thursday with a concert of Czech and foreign soloists accompanied by the Pilsen Philharmonic Orchestra.

Over four days, some 1,200 musicians and 40 ensembles from 17 countries will perform, in many cases winding their way through the city centre in processions.

The bi-annual festival has been going strong now for over 50 years and in 2016 attracted some 20,000 visitors. Apart from bagpipe performances, the programme this year includes an open-air cinema, exhibitions and an ongoing fair at Strakonice castle, and open doors at the local brewery.