Irish pipes

The uilleann pipes, also known as Union pipes or Irish pipes, have been played for centuries and are a beloved instrument in Irish traditional music.

Whereas tenor Ronan Tynan rattled the cavernous Washington National Cathedral on Wednesday with his powerful Irish pipes, the Oak Ridge Boys stirred the more intimate sanctuary of St. Martin’s with their rich Tennessee a cappella harmonies on “Amazing Grace.”

Because of an injury, Barnes has abandoned playing the Irish pipes, but he still plays lute, guitar, mandolin and a vintage harp-guitar built by two Norwegian-immigrant brothers about a century ago in Wisconsin.

Led by the Birmingham Irish Pipes and Drums band, it will start at Camp Hill with a "confetti blast", organisers said.

"The English riflemen who fought on their right had more solidity in their way of going about the business," says Mr. Philip Gibbs of the Daily Chronicle, "but they were so inspired by the sight of the Irish dash and by the sound of the Irish pipes that those who were in support, under orders to stand and hold the first German line, could hardly be restrained from following on."