Arena events set to attract music lovers to Gathering

It is all systems go for the 52nd annual Highland Gathering which takes place on Saturday, 30 April at Hutchison Park.

Organised by the Amanzimtoti Lions Club, the Highland Gathering is a huge boost to the local economy, bringing all of South Africa’s 32 pipe bands together, as well as 100 of the country’s dancers, for an incredible competition. With Swiss dancers also arriving for the national dance competition, all the action will be happening in the arena.

“It looks like we are set for a bumper Gathering this year,” said Amanzimtoti Lions president, Carol Botha. “We have had a tremendous response for our stalls, but stall holders can still book.

Visitors to this year’s Gathering will not only get the chance to hear some of the country’s best pipe music, but will get to watch judging by world renowned professional piping teacher, adjudicator and performer, Bob Worrall. We expect everyone will put on a great performance considering the high standard Worrall will bring to the event.”

The following bands will provide foot-tapping beats at the one-day extravaganza: Lee’s Bronsky Beaters, Glen’s Koeksisters, Salty Dog, Autopilot, Amanzimtexas, Josie and the Silver Surfer, Tailormade, EC3B, The Campaign, Calamity Jam, Broken Advocate, Buckshot and Templar Funk.

Toti singers, Keely Crocker and Sornia Kanfer will perform on stage, accompanied by the pipers. Last year 13-year-old Keely’s rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ with the 1 Medical Battalion Group Association Pipe Band was hailed as one of the highlights of the event, so this is one performance not to be missed.

Further enhancing the one-day event is the Lifestyle Expo which was introduced to the festival in 2014 and organised by Big Events 365.

“We are making sure there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s expo,” said event spokesman, Monique Botha. “There will be a house and garden section, outdoor and leisure, as well as health and beauty with all the top brands and services on display.”

In addition to this, visitors can look forward to seeing well-known organisations and corporations such as the National Sea Rescue Institute, KZN Sharks Board, Pink and Blue Car Drive, Virgin Active, as well as a number of car dealerships to name a few.

The expo will also have a demo arena to keep audiences enthralled while children are entertained at the secure Cooee Kids Zone. Flavas, from Not Sheep Boutique, will host a fantastic pop-up restaurant for parents to enjoy a delicious meal while children have fun in the zone.

For the first time this year, the expo will also offer a tasting area where visitors will get the chance to sample a variety of craft beer, wine, vodka and more.

To ensure everyone’s safety, ET Rapid Response will provide event security, while ER24 paramedics will be on standby for any emergencies.

Entrance to the Highland Gathering is R40 per adult, R20 for pensioners and students, and R10 for children. Children under six pay no cover charge.

To keep updated on the event, check out the Facebook page ‘The Highland Gathering and Lifestyle Expo Amanzimtoti’ and Amanzimtoti Lions Club website www.amanzimtoti-lions.org.

To book a stand for the flea, food or craft market, contact John West on 082-771-1108 or email john.d.k.west@gmail.com. To book a stand for the expo, contact Monique on 082-304-2803 or email admin@bigevents365.co.za.