2016 Geelong Highland Gathering
Due to some major public works at Deakin University, this year the Geelong Highland Gathering moves to Goldsworthy Reserve in Corio on Sunday the 20th of March. Beginning at 9:00 AM and running through until after 4:30 PM this year’s Highland Gathering continues the tradition of an event that dates back on the Geelong events calendar as far back as 1967. The 2016 event promises to be one of the best yet with an impressive line-up of Scottish celebration with the highlight being performances of some of Australia’s finest pipe bands performing throughout the day.
The ever popular 42nd Royal Highland Regiment will once again be part of this year’s gathering. This magnificent guard will be dressed in their incredible 1815 period uniforms and are a stunning sight.
The dancing is another major drawcard for the gathering with a full day’s program planned. There will be Scottish Country Dancing, and some magnificent dancers battling it out for a range of awards in the Highland Dancing championships.
Over recent years the Scottish Dogs have become a huge hit with the event, and this year they are back with a great selection of Scottish breeds on show including the beautiful Scottish Terriers, Collies and Scottish Deerhounds.
The 2016 Heavy Games also promises to be one of the most popular events on the 2016 calendar with some mighty men showing their strength throwing and tossing items across the arena. Another thrilling sight will be the sword play tournaments and the amazing New Varangan Guard historical re-enactment.
Dozens of clans will be in attendance at the gathering and there will be tents for many of the major groups, with some selling clan merchandise or showing amazing displays about their heritage and ancestor.
For those hungry be sure to try some of the Scottish treats on sale around the ground, like haggis and black pudding, and make sure you wash it with a tasty Irn Bru. The ground will also house a variety of market stalls where you can buy a wide range of Scottish and Celtic souvenirs and goods. There will be clan items, soft toys, jewelry, beautiful embroidery and sewing and a wide range of interesting items that are not usually seen outside Scotland.
