Lesley Hewitt and Victor Szwed
The rain on 2nd December did not derail the success of the 72nd Daylesford Highland Gathering.
The crowd numbers at the parade were down a little because of the weather but Caroll Davis, Highland Gathering Chieftain, said that numbers were returning to pre-COVID levels. There were 21 bands registered, including one that travelled from Adelaide, and over 110 Highland Dancers.
The day started with pipe bands marching down Vincent St led by our own Daylesford and District Pipes and Drums Band. The parade was followed by events at Victoria Park including Highland Dance competitions, drumming competitions and the massed bands. Food and other stalls rounded out opportunities for visitors.
The rain held off for the parade but once festivities commenced at Victoria Park, down came the rain and out came the Inverness Capes – traditional wet weather gear – very practical raincoats with a cape that enabled participants to continue performing.
Multi-cultural participation in the event was a notable feature with a number of young drummers, pipers and dancers who did not appear to have a familial connection to Scotland. Scottish traditions are not only alive and well but growing.
Congratulations to Daylesford Highland Gathering President John McColl and his hardworking Committee for putting on another spectacular event.
The Daylesford Highland Gathering has operated since 1952 on the first Saturday in December. If you haven’t watched the Street Parade or been to Victoria Park, note it in your Diary – Saturday, December 7 – for next year. The Parade provides a wonderful buzz to Vincent Street and the activities at Victoria Park are most impressive particularly the Massed Bands display.
