Annual Highland Gathering has new format for spectacular viewing
Pipe bands from across the country performed for crowds presenting the beautiful sounds of bagpipes and drums at the annual Highland Gathering.
Pipe bands from across South Africa gathered at the Pretoria Boys High School old boys club in Lynnwood for a unique celebration of bagpipe bands and drum majors at the Highland Gathering.
The gathering is an annual showcase of pipe bands and drum majors from school level to experienced that took place on Saturday, June 17 this year.
NEW FORMAT AT HIGHLAND GATHERING CONTEST
Pipe bands and drum majors representing their schools and societies perform for a panel of adjudicators and are scored in categories of age group and experience level.
This year’s Highland Gathering presented a new format for pipe band contests.
The Pipe Bands’ Association of South Africa (PBASA) said the new format was to enhance audience enjoyment.
The new format went down well with family, friends, and eager residents, who got a front row seat to the special performances.
In the past, bands were arranged in a circle on the competition field while adjudicators roamed around the bands while evaluating performances.
This was the standard format internationally, but this new format has become more common in recent years, according to the PBASA.
“So instead of seeing the backs of the performers in a circle, today they’ll showcase their talent and skill facing you front-on.
“You’ll be able to see them all, and the beautiful sound of their pipes and drums will be directed towards you in the audience, rather than into the middle of the old circle,” according to the PBASA.
VARIOUS SCHOOLS AND PIPE BANDS WERE REPRESENTED
Schools represented at the event were Pretoria Boys, Jeppe, St Benedict’s, King Edward VII, Benoni.
Open bands such as the Pretoia Highlanders, Transvaal Scottish, De La Salle Combined, African Skye, and Kempton Park.
The bands were presented in a full day format.
Novice Juvenile bands started the day, and Drum Major performances finished the afternoon.
The day ended with a spectacular massed bands performance.
Along with the Highland Gathering performances, the event also featured a beer garden, tea garden, crafters market, and delicious food stalls from various cultural cuisines.
Also on offer were stalls selling authentic Scottish foods and goods, such as kilts and tartan items made locally.
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