Bagpipes

• Type: Musical Instrument
• Owners: The lead singer of The Weird Sisters, identified as Myron Wagtail (Pottermore).
• Maker: Unknown

The bagpipes are a woodwind instrument consisting of a bag which acts as an air reservoir, a blowpipe to inflate the bag, and one or more chanters and drones to produce the sound. The set seen in the wizarding world was part of the instrumental lineup for the popular band, The Weird Sisters. The novels do not provide a detailed physical description beyond identifying the instrument.

The primary function of the bagpipes is to produce music. In the single instance they are mentioned, they are played by the lead singer of The Weird Sisters during their performance at the Yule Ball. There is no evidence in the text to suggest that this specific set of bagpipes possessed any inherent magical properties beyond being an instrument played by a wizard. They were used alongside other, more contemporary instruments such as guitars, a cello, and drums to create the band's unique sound.

The only known appearance of bagpipes in the series occurs on 25 December 1994, during the Yule Ball held at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as part of the Triwizard Tournament. They were played on a raised stage in the Great Hall by the frontman of The Weird Sisters, the evening's musical entertainment for the students of Hogwarts, Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, and Durmstrang Institute.

The bagpipes play a minor but notable role in establishing the atmosphere of the Yule Ball. Their inclusion in a popular wizarding rock band highlights the eclectic nature of wizarding culture, blending traditional and modern elements. The performance by The Weird Sisters, including the sound of the bagpipes, is a central feature of the event and is greatly enjoyed by many students, marking a rare moment of levity and celebration for Harry Potter and his peers during the otherwise dangerous Triwizard Tournament.

• In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, The Weird Sisters' lineup does not include bagpipes. The band is portrayed with a more conventional rock setup of vocals, guitars, bass, and drums. (film)
• The Pottermore website (now Wizarding World) identified the lead singer and bagpipe player of The Weird Sisters as Myron Wagtail. (Pottermore)
• Bagpipes are an instrument strongly associated with the real-world culture of Scotland, the country where Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is located. Their inclusion in the story adds a layer of authentic local flavour to the magical setting.