The Celtic spirit is alive and well in Daylesford in Victoria.

The Daylesford Highland Gathering, a cherished tradition celebrating Scottish culture, music, and dance for over 70 years, is back on December 2nd. Founded in 1952 by Dan McKinnon, this event has been uniting enthusiasts of Scottish heritage from across Australia.

Here’s what to look forward to:

Band Competitions: Talented bands take the stage, filling the air with the haunting melodies of bagpipes and the rhythmic beats of drums. These performances capture the essence of Scottish culture, making them a beloved highlight of the gathering.

Victoria Park Gathering: Victoria Park transforms into the epicentre of Scottish culture, with pipe bands, Highland dancers, and stalls offering Scottish cuisine and crafts.

Highland Dance Competitions: Dancers in colourful kilts showcase their skill and artistry, captivating audiences with Highland culture.

Street March: Vincent Street becomes a vibrant spectacle of Scottish culture as kilted pipe bands and clansmen march proudly, enveloped by the charm of Daylesford’s historic streets.

Solo Drumming: A deep dive into Scottish traditions with rhythmic drumming, essential to Scottish music and history.

Massed Bands: The gathering’s grand finale features multiple pipe bands in synchronised splendour, filling the air with the majestic strains of bagpipes and rhythmic drumbeats.

Gather your clan and come to Daylesford for a wee bit of Scottish culture. For more information, go to www.daylesfordhighland.com

*This story was published in the November 2023 edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine