Traditional sounds will once again be heard and historical bagpipers seen at the new start of Classic Days 2025 at Rittergut Birkhof from 1 to 3 August. Dressed in traditional kilts and led by a pipe major, the Erft Area Pipes & Drums will kick off Classic Days on Saturday morning, 2 August 2025.

When the Birkhof estate and manor house were elevated to the status of a knightly estate eligible for representation in the state parliament by the Prussian King Frederick William IV, the bagpipe, which had only been called a ‘bagpipe’ since 1642, was no longer of great importance as a musical instrument in Germany. It was mainly used by shepherds, herdsmen and travelling musicians. In the mid-19th century, for example, there were only five bands with bagpipes still travelling around Germany as itinerant musicians. These bands consisted of up to six bagpipers and two drummers. Their travels took them beyond Germany to England, Norway, the Ottoman Empire and North America.

Bagpipes have only been back in the spotlight since the 1970s and are increasingly being used as traditional musical instruments again. Music groups are forming, and bands now once again represent identity and folklore – known as ‘folk’ for short.

At Classic Days 2025, we look forward to familiar sounds, a musical journey through time and lots of British flair. The bagpipes fit stylishly into the English park at the manor house in the Birkhof estate.

Would you like to experience Erft Area Pipes & Drums live? Tickets for Classic Days are available now in advance online from the ticket shop: