With Freedom Day celebrated on Thursday, it’s worth taking an extended long weekend to the Sapphire Coast, home to beautiful bathing beaches, outdoor adventures, and the 60th Highland Gathering! The tartan celebration will be taking over the KZN Upper South Coast town of Amanzimtoti on Saturday, 29 April.
This popular annual event, hosted by the Amanzimtoti Lions Club, is the ultimate in family-friendly festivals, with live music, dancing, great food, and displays. All funds raised through the Highland Gathering are donated to the local community through several charitable Amanzimtoti Lions initiatives.
“The autumn weather is incredible on the KZN South Coast and we’re so excited to be celebrating the momentous 60th Highland Gathering in style!” said Amanzimtoti Lions President, Natalie Angelo. “It’s going to be a vibrant day of colour, music, and festive cheer. If you haven’t visited before, this is definitely the year to attend! If you’re a regular, you’re in for an even bigger celebration – so don’t miss out!”
Visitors to this year’s Highland Gathering can look forward to ECR DJ Dave Guselli as the day’s MC, overseeing entertainment in the form of:
· Highland Dancing
· Warner’s Steel Drums
· Artists, Danre and Rick Rhythms
· Rhythmic Dance Studio
· Double Beat Drum Studio
· Toti Hillbillies – Line Dancing Ladies
· ET Security Dogs
Head to the Band Tent to hear from some of the best local talent, among them:
· Goosfraba
· Tristan Boltman
· The Lion, The Bear, and The Panther
· The Aloes
· Jimmy Jaguar
· Broken Advocate
There will also be a dedicated Kidz Zone, stalls featuring great arts and crafts, as well as a number of great food options to choose from. Another event highlight is the Mr and Miss Highland Gathering beauty pageant which will be taking place from 1pm, with registration from 11:30am to 12:15pm. Hopeful competitors can enter across several age categories at a cost of R80 per entry. To enter, simply email events@modelm.co.za.
The many tourist attractions on the Sapphire Coast
“We’re so proud to be hosting the Highland Gathering again this year, it’s such a hugely successful event that shows off the region’s welcoming communities, and wonderful tourism attributes,” said Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “We encourage visitors to take the time to explore our beautiful region, and discover why this is the jewel of the KZN South Coast!”
Before or after the Highland Gathering, visitors can enjoy some of the local tourism attractions. These include:
· A dip or snorkel in the warm Indian Ocean at any of the Sapphire Coast’s recreational beaches, all of which are currently open for bathing*. These include Pipeline Beach, Amanzimtoti Main Beach, Karridene Beach, and Umgababa Beach.
· Diving at one of the world’s top dive sites, Aliwal Shoal, and look out for sardines which head this way in the cooler winter months as part of the annual Sardine Run.
· The Olympic-size Swimming Pool at Umgababa for those looking for a bit of exercise while enjoying the long weekend.
· The many exciting trails and picnic spots in nearby nature reserves which allow for a great day out, birdwatching and getting closer to nature.
· Those in the mood for some retail therapy will find great shopping at malls and local crafters, with fantastic seaside dining on offer.
Building up to the Highland Gathering, there are several other local events planned. Among these are:
The Toti Vibe Sunday Market
Venue: Amanzimtoti Civic Centre, 34 Riverside Road
Date: Thursday, 27 April
Time: 10.30am to 3.30pm
There is free parking and free entrance at this pet-friendly market that has shopping, food, children’s entertainment, and live music.
Mills Bomb Shellhole Sokkie Dance Evening
Venue: 1 Elcock Road, Warner Beach
Date: Friday, 28 April
Time: 6pm until late
Contact: Natasha on 082 455 3871
Bring your own eats and snacks, or braai at the venue. There will be lots of drinks specials!
Tickets to the Highland Gathering will be available at the venue. All funds raised will be donated to the local community through several 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 – Amazimtoti Lions Club’ on Facebook.
*This is subject to change. Please check with local lifeguards on the day about bathing conditions.
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