**Update – the Highland Fair for 2024 has been cancelled. Unfortunately, the wet weather and ground closures have taken their toll. However, the Sunday concert will happen as scheduled**

Nestled 20 minutes west of Taree along the serene mid-north coast of New South Wales lies the picturesque township of Wingham, where the Manning River meanders lazily past a fighter jet!

With a history steeped in Scottish influence dating back to the early 1800s, Wingham pays homage to its resilient forebears who weathered the storms of adversity, from pandemics to floods and droughts, to shape the town’s character. Today, descendants proudly uphold their Scottish heritage, a legacy reflected in the town’s annual Scottish Festival.

Wingham is also home to a Cold War-era Vampire Jet mounted on a column, donated by Manning River Branch of the Air Force Association to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force. It can be found in the town’s Central Park.

On June 1st, 2024, the 17th Scottish Festival had invited locals and visitors alike to celebrate the vibrant tapestry of Scottish culture at Central Park, which was to be transformed into a bustling Highland fair, alive with the skirl of bagpipes and the spirited dance of kilts. However, due to wet weather, the Highland fair has now been cancelled for 2024.

However, on Sunday, June 2nd, at the Wingham Presbyterian Church, there will be a soul-stirring concert. The Bonnie Wingham Scottish Concert promises an afternoon of musical enchantment for the whole family.

So, mark your calendars and join the concert in Wingham — a celebration of Scottish spirit, resilience, and community that welcomes all to share in its rich heritage.

For full details, go to www.bonniewingham.com.

Picture: Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival attracts clans from all over Australia. Credit: Visit NSW