Harpenden Highland Gathering

Date Time Location	Sunday 12th July 2009 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Rothamsted Park Harpenden AL5 2HU
Attractions	Pipes and drums Highland dancing Highland games 42 Highland Regiment 1815 - Re-enactment Society Falconry displays Sheepdog demonstrations Climbing wall Funfair Crafters' Village Classic cars and motorbikes Circus Whiz Luton Youth Jazz Orchestra Food and licensed bars Fun run
Admission Programmes	£3.00 in advance by credit card online - see right hand column at top of page - or from the outlets listed below. £6.00 at the gate. Children under 16 are FREE when accompanied by an adult. Programmes are available from : WH Smith, Harpenden Hairline, Southdown News4U, Harpenden Southdown Hardware, Southdown Redbourn Post Office Town Council Offices, Harpenden St Albans Tourist Information Centre Luton Tourist Information Centre Cravin’ Snackbar at Harpenden Station
Programme of Events Download PDF
Map	Rothamsted Park is in the centre of Harpenden and can be reached easily by road from Luton or St Albans or from M1 exits 9 or 10. It is within walking distance of Harpenden station on the Brighton to Bedford line. There is plenty of free parking nearby, especially on the Common How To Get There - Detailed Instructions
Disabled Visitors	Disabled parking and toilets are both available in the park. Remember to bring a disabled badge to gain access.
Beneficiaries	Sue Ryder Care, Stagenhoe Grove House Hospice, St. Albans Harpenden Lions Life Skills Programme for local schools
Contact	hg09@harpenden-lions.co.uk Helpline: 0845 833 7426
More Pictures	Highland Gathering 2008 Picture Gallery.
Poster	Download poster (PDF)
Sponsors	Harpenden Lions Club thanks the following sponsors of the Harpenden Highland Gathering: Review Group HSBC Harpenden Building Society DOR-2-DOR Postscript Print & Design Photiades Solicitors Taylor Walton Solicitors

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Background and History

Dance Competitions

St. Albans and Mid-Herts Caledonian Society organised the first of the local Highland Games which took place on June 22, 1946 at Beech Hyde Farm, Wheathampstead. It is believed that it was held as a fundraising event to assist Scottish engineers who had been working in aircraft factories including De Havilland in Hatfield during the Second World War.

Battle Reenactment

The first of the modern games, organised by Harpenden Lions Club, took place on June 22, 1996 at Harpenden Rugby Club. The following year they relocated back to their traditional home in Rothamsted Park. It is now one of the largest Gatherings outside Scotland, raising tens of thousands for charity every year.

Solo Piping Competition

What makes the Harpenden Highland Gathering such a special occasion? Spectacular pipe band displays, dance, traditional games and the sound of the bagpipes set the scene for the day, but there is much more. In recent years visitors have enjoyed thrilling gymnastic displays, falconry demonstrations, battlefield reenactments and this year, for the first time, the entertaining sight of experienced sheepdogs herding geese and ducklings! Every year there are plenty of events for children, including novelty track events, a climbing wall and a funfair. There is a wide selection of stalls offering refreshments, and many others selling craft and novelty items. Many charities set up stalls and displays to raise awareness of their work and attract donations.

To see photographs of the July 2008 Highland Gathering visit the Photo Gallery

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