As a player he is best known as one third of the English bagpipe trio The Goodacre Brothers, but next week he shares his enthusiasm and knowledge, along with his vast collection of pipes from the UK and beyond, in an entertaining celebration of the world of bagpipes at the Eastgate Theatre.

Julian has been a professional bagpipe-maker and researcher for more than 20 years, during which time his pipes have acquired a reputation for their quality of craftsmanship, design and reliability.

He said: "My pipemaking is based on being a piper myself – all my pipes have either been developed for my own use or in co-operation with other pipers. I am constantly refining and developing the design of my pipes, researching, measuring and copying old pipes in museum collections.

"Out of concern for the world's timber resources, I have decided to use only British woods and I have found that British hardwoods and yew are ideal for pipemaking, giving a good tone and being extremely attractive.

"I pay a lot of attention to the appearance, detail and finish of my pipes. They are all turned by me using hand-held turning tools, allowing me to achieve graceful shapes and an individual character for each pipe.

He added: "I never use ivory as I am horrified at the mass slaughter of elephants solely for their tusks."

Julian will be demonstrating his handiwork at 7.30pm on Tuesday at the Eastgate Theatre.

Tickets priced £6.50 available from the venue on 01721 725777.

For more information visit www.goodbagpipes.co.uk