The much-anticipated Highland Gathering is finally back as the KZN Upper South Coast town of Amanzimtoti gets tartaned up for the Scottish festivities taking place at Hutchison Park on Saturday, 30 April from 9am.
“The annual Highland Gathering has long been an Amanzimtoti classic and an important fundraiser for the incredible work being done by the Amanzimtoti Lions,” said Lions president, Natalie Angelo. “Visitors to this family-friendly event can look forward to a full programme of firm favourites, as well as a number of new additions to properly celebrate the event after a two-year break.”
Sapphire Coast Tourism’s Romy Wenzel, said the organisation is encouraging visitors to take advantage of the event, and the opportunities presented by the long weekend as a way to explore the many beautiful beaches, natural sites and tourist-friendly activities on offer in the region.
Fun Highland Gathering facts to get excited about!
1. Kilted up
The Scottish Highland Association has ruled that all competing in the Highland Gathering must wear a kilt. Visitors to the Highland Gathering will get to view a range of kilts crafted in tartan significant of different Scottish clans and are encouraged to “kilt up” in the spirit of the day.
The question always remains: What do you have under that kilt?
2. The pipers
There is no sound quite as Scottish as the bagpipes – and certainly a sound that will reverberate on the day. The reason for this is not only the sheer number of bagpipers, but the fact that the volume of bagpipes cannot be adjusted – it’s loud or louder! There was even a time when the pipes were classified a weapon – you be the judge!
The 59th Highland Gathering Programme
This year’s ‘post-Covid-19’ Highland Gathering boasts a wonderful programme for the whole family to enjoy, including:
• MCing by popular ECR DJ, Dave Guselli
• The new DJ Tent and Performing Stage featuring top-class local performances
• The Food Corner for delicious meals enjoyed in the Shaded Seating Area
• Teen singing sensation, Keely Crocker
• The Mr and Miss Highland Gathering beauty pageant
• Clean Surf Project promoting green practices
• Steel Drums
• Rhythmic Dance Studio
• Toti Hillbillies Line Dancing
• Double Beat Drum Studio
• Kidz Zone
• Fashion Show
• Arts & Crafts
• Car Dealers
• Bar Tents
• …and more!
“This is set to be one of the best Highland Gathering’s yet, with a full programme of events, entertainment, food and shopping!” said Amanzimtoti Lions member and event coordinator, Ken Toward. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to this fantastic event in one of the country’s most beautiful settings.”
The Mr and Miss Highland Gathering beauty pageant starts at 1pm, with registration from 11.30am to 12.15pm. Enter in a number of age categories at a cost of R80 per entry by emailing events@modelm.co.za.
Tickets to the Highland Gathering will be available at the venue. All funds raised from the Highland Gathering will be donated to the local community through a number of charitable Amanzimtoti Lions initiatives. The ticket prices are:
• Adults – R50
• Pensioners/Scholars – R30
• Children under 6 years – Free
• Secure parking at the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club – R20 per vehicle
For more information, check out ‘Highland Gathering’ on Facebook. For more about the Sapphire Coast, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za.
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