Thousands attend Highland Gathering in Harpenden (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Thousands attend Highland Gathering in Harpenden

4:27pm Sunday 11th July 2010 in

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The sound of pipes and drums rang out across Harpenden today as thousands of people enjoyed the sunshine at the 2010 Highland Gathering.

Shortly after noon, Harpenden Pipe Band led five other groups into the main arena for the opening ceremony as crowds poured into Rothamsted Park.

Visitors were also treated to displays of traditional Scottish games, including the caber toss, a Highland Dancing competition, falconry displays and gymnastics displays.

There were also a fleet of classic cars on display, while children could climb aboard some funfair rides or a selection of giant bouncy castles.

A gathering was first held in Harpenden more than 60 years ago and, following a break, the annual event was restarted in 1996. It is now one of the largest gathering outside Scotland.

For John Hovell and Bob Langley, from the Black Watch 42nd Highland Regiment, this was their third visit to Harpenden.

Speaking before they entertained the crowds with a musket display, Bob said: “We do a lot of battle re-enactments. Most places we go to we get a good reception.

“We're just trying to keep history alive.”

Meanwhile, Fiona Ray was watching pupils from her Highland dancing school, based in Kent, compete on stage.

She said: “We travel around the country to different Highland dancing competitions.

“The sun always shines at Harpenden. This is our favourite competition. It's outside and there's lot of other things going on.”

Highland dancing competition organiser Coleen Hutchison, who was overseeing 80 dancers compete, said the day was “fantastic”.

“Everyone says it's a little Scotland,” she said.

“It's very popular. Everyone loves the venue, it's beautiful here. And there's a very high standard of dancing.”

Among the dozens of stalls that bordered the main arena was the Three Valleys Club, a social group that raises money for charity and also donates its own time to worthy causes.

Clare Wilsdon, publicity officer, said: “We've been raising money in the area for ten years now. We've been to the gathering every year. When the weather's like this, it's great.”

Wearing fancy dress in the high heat were Sainsbury's Harpenden staff Jackie Bachelor, dressed as a clown, and Chris Canfield, who wore a long red dress and wig, Chris said: “It's absolutely fantastic. It's a great day. The weather's held off and there's loads of people.”

The event is organised each year by the Harpenden Lions.

Current President Tony Usher said: “It gets better and better each year.”

Councillor Daniel Chichester-Miles, the Mayor of Harpenden Town Council, was appointed as Clan Chieftain for the day and officially opened the gathering.

He said: “For me it's one of the events I have been looking forward to most in my mayoral year so far.

“It's a spectacular day. It raises a lot of money for charity and highlight the hard work of the Harpenden Lions.”

Last year's event raised more than £15,000 for charity.