HARPENDEN LIONS HIGHLAND GATHERING - Sunday 15th July 2012

Date: Time: Location:	Sunday 15th July 2012 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Rothamsted Park Harpenden AL5 2HU
New for 2012:	• More Scottish events • Increased traders and charity stalls • Better children's attractions • New arena events
Attractions (subject to change):	Pipes and drums including piping competition Highland dancing Highland games 42 Highland Regiment 1815 - Re-enactment Society Arena Events Climbing wall Funfair Crafters' Village St. Albans City Band Charity and Trade Stalls Classic cars and motorbikes Food and licensed bars Fun run
Admission Programmes:	£3.00 in advance by credit card online - available nearer the date. £6.00 at the gate. Children under 16 are FREE when accompanied by an adult. Programmes will be available from late June 2012 from local shops and other outlets in Harpenden, St. Albans and Luton area.
Beneficiaries:	Children with Cancer Herts Air Ambulance Harpenden Lions Club causes including the Life Skills programme in local schools
Contact:	info@harpenden-lions.co.uk Helpline: 0845 833 7426

Video Gallery - 2011 Highland Gathering

Click on a thumbnail to view the video.

Arrival of the pipe bands
and opening ceremony
by Steve Gledhill

Comprehensive record of
the whole Highland Gathering
by Matt Smith

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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 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.

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