Gather your clan and your kilt and come on down to Overnewton Castle on Sunday 24th November as they open the gates from 11am to 4pm for their third annual Scottish Festival and market day to celebrate St Andrews Day and the Scottish heritage of Overnewton Castle, which turns 175 years old this year!

DATES & DEETS

Calling all clans to the four-acre Scottish Baronial estate for a jam-packed celebration of Scottish culture. The grounds will come to life with games and activities for children, live Scottish music and dance, Highland cows and the best culinary offerings from Melbourne’s leading Scottish food suppliers. Pack a picnic or sample some of the fabulous offerings, browse the Scottish craft and artisan stalls and soak up the Scottish atmosphere.

With performances by The Drongo and the Crow, Victorian Scottish Pipers & Drums, Spriggins Highland Piping, Highland Dance Studio, and Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club

Other festival happenings include face painting, unicorn rides for children, artisan and craft market, food stalls, games and a festival parade.

Overnewton Castle was built by Scotsman, William Taylor in 1849, who bought 13,000 acres of rich grazing land just west of the Keilor township. Taylor originally built a simple single-story bluestone colonial-style homestead, but in 1859, after returning from a trip to Scotland, he turned the functional colonial homestead into a miniature Scottish Baronial castle. The stately two-storied wing was added, along with the blue stone Dairy & Butcher Shop and the Private Billiard room. William Taylor and his wife Helen, together with their family of six sons and four daughters lived in the homestead attended by up to 15 staff. Today Overnewton Castle remains an iconic piece of historic architecture with a rich past and strong commitment to sharing Keilor’s fascinating Scottish heritage.

Fun fact: The suburbs we know today as Taylor’s Lakes and Taylors Hill were named after Mr Taylor himself.

Overnewton Castle is located at 51 Overnewton Rd, Keilor. 

What to bring:

• Your dancing shoes to move along with the on-site entertainment.

• An appetite – they have many wonderful food stalls on site to satisfy every belly!

• A water bottler, hat and sunscreen – unlike Scotland, it will likely be a sunny day!

• A picnic blanket/chairs so you can enjoy the spacious gardens with the family.