Excitement mounts for 60th Highland Gathering

THE town can once again look forward to colourful tartan and the sound of bagpipes, as the much-anticipated 60th Highland Gathering takes place at Hutchison Park on April 29.

The family-friendly festival, hosted by the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti, is an important annual fundraiser for the community service organisation which in turn serves to support several local charities and relief initiatives.

Lions President Natalie Angelo said, “It was so wonderful welcoming visitors back to our coastal town last year for an extremely successful post-Covid Highland Gathering. We’re looking forward to an even bigger turnout for the 60th celebration.”

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For those new to the Highland Gathering, it is a full day of fun for the entire family, with incredible entertainment, displays, food and a dedicated Kids’ Zone. For those who frequent this festive event, expect some old favourites with several exciting new displays.

Some of the entertainment to look forward to includes steel drums, dancing, singing, Gary’s donkeys and ponies, various displays, fashion shows, arts and crafts stalls and beauty pageants. The day ends with the infamous mass band which sees pipers and drummers from near and far filling the air with sounds of Scotland.

The Highland Gathering, with its inception in 1963, is also the highlight of the Sapphire Coast Tourism annual calendar. The community tourism organisation’s Romy Wenzel said, “It even managed to set the record for the largest number of pipe bands performing in South Africa in one day. By supporting this wonderful tradition, you’re not only supporting a valuable fundraiser but our local economy as a whole.”

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With the event being held over the long weekend, visitors have a great excuse to stay a little longer on the sunny Sapphire Coast and visit some of the local sites. This includes Amanzimtoti Main Beach for a day of bathing, snorkelling and more seaside fun. There are also many exciting trails and picnic spots in nearby nature reserves and adventures, as well as great shopping and dining on offer.

Stall bookings are R500 for normal exhibitors and R650 for food stalls. Tickets will be available at the venue from 09:00 to 15:00 on the day, and funds raised will be used to support the local community through several charitable Amanzimtoti Lions initiatives.

The ticket prices are R50 for adults, R30 for pensioners and scholars and free for children under six years old. There is also secure parking at the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club for R20 per vehicle.

To book a stall, email totischg@gmail.com. For more information and updates about the event, visit the Facebook page, Highland Gathering – Amanzimtoti Lions Club.

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