Harpenden Lions Club Highland Gathering
A Scottish themed family fun day out and fundraiser for charities
Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2LX.
Sunday 12th JULY 2026 10:30am to 5pm
Come and enjoy another traditional Harpenden Lions Club Highland Gathering – a fun day out for the whole family. Featuring an amazing Sealed Knot Re-enactment!
Step Back in Time with Prince Rupert’s Bluecoats
Prepare to be transported to the 1640s, a tumultuous era of Cavaliers and Roundheads, as we explore Parliament's historic struggle against the King during the English Civil War. You will witness a demonstration of the skill and bravery of Prince Rupert’s Bluecoats (or "Blewcoats"), an elite Royalist regiment once commanded by the King’s own nephew.
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Watch as Musketeers and Pikemen take to the field, supported by the steady cadence of the Drummers. You will see the tactical manoeuvres and explosive black powder displays that defined 17th-century warfare.
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Beyond the battlefield, visit the camp to meet the civilians and other members of the regiment. The Living History display offers a meaningful glimpse into the daily lives, tools, and clothing of those who lived through this conflict.
Also featuring: Pipe Bands; Highland Dancing; Highland Games (including Have-a-Go Caber Toss and Haggis Hurling; Stage performances from Upbeat Choir, Dance Studio, Sunny Side Up and John Knowles. Children’s Races; Archery; Go Karts; Scouts Cannon Races; Ferret Races; Market Stalls; Food and Drink (including Beer Tent).
Charities Supported by the Highland Gathering 2026
Hertfordshire Mind Network work across Hertfordshire to support positive mental health and wellbeing. They provide a diverse range of services from eight Wellbeing Centres and other venues across the county. Funded locally, their services are available to all residents in Hertfordshire aged 18+ and they offer dedicated services for 5-18 year olds. Their aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone. Hertfordshire Mind Network are a local Mind, affiliated to national Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. That means they raise their own funds to keep vital services running – and every penny you raise stays right here in Hertfordshire, helping local people.
Harpenden Lions Club CIO is a registered charity (No 1198970) and raises and donates funds to many worthwhile causes, including our own Youth Support Programme, which incorporates our Life Skills Programme for local schools, Youth Environment Projects and sponsorship of Individual Youth Projects. Our Lions Child Sight UK programme is a vision screening initiative led by trained Lions volunteers using advanced, non-invasive vision cameras that can help detect eyesight issues in children aged 4-7, before they affect education and wellbeing.
Follow the link below to hear a message from our President about the Highland Gathering
Stall Holder Information
Stall Booking Form
Stall Information
Food Journey Form
Site Layout
2025 Events schedule
You can download a pdf copy of full programme here
HOW TO FIND US, WHERE TO PARK!
The Highland Gathering is held in Rothamsted Park, Leyton Road, Harpenden - a few minutes walk from Harpenden Railway Station. Use postcode AL5 2LX for satnavs.
Driving from the North or from the M1 motorway J10
Exit the M1 at Junction 10 and take the A1081 to Harpenden (approx. 4.5 miles). Proceed along the High Street to the end of the town, straight across the mini roundabout at The Harpenden Arms. At the next roundabout, go straight across passing The Silver Cup on the right. Within 50 yards turn left into the car park.
Driving from the South (Note: left turn only at entrance to car park)
Proceed through St. Albans and take the A1081 to Harpenden (approx. 4 miles). Reverse direction at the Silver Cup roundabout, to enter the car park on your left.
OR
If coming from M1 J9 proceed south along the A5183 until you reach the Redbourn roundabout where you take the first exit up the hill towards Harpenden. At the next roundabout take the first exit, then change direction at the Silver Cup roundabout, as above.
Station Car Park
Free car parking is also available at Harpenden Station, courtesy of Thameslink (no need to display a ticket). Please use the town-side car park (entrance before railway bridge).
Accessible Parking
For safety reasons, Blue Badge parking inside the park is no longer permitted by Harpenden Town Council. A small Blue Badge parking area will be available immediately opposite the entrance in Leyton Road.
Please clearly display your Blue Badge and follow the attendants’ instructions.
Blue Badge parking is also available in the Amenbury Lane Car Park.