For a Saturday later this month, Hobsons Bay will be transformed into the Scottish countryside as it plays host to the Williamstown Highland Celtic Gathering.
Taking place at the Seaworks precinct on Saturday, October 26, the third annual event organised by the Melbourne Highland Games & Celtic Festival Inc is the only gathering of its type in the city.
Highland and Celtic dancers from across Melbourne and interstate will perform on the day, as will folk musicians and pipe bands.
Cultural displays, stalls and lashing of whiskey will also be on offer.
Alongside the music and culture will be the serious business of highland sports events taking place, with athletes competing part in heavy events such as the caber toss, stone put and hammer throw.
Melbourne Highland Games and Celtic Festival treasurer, Dianne Cowling, said the competitions would be more than just cultural displays.
“Williamstown is the precursor to our big games in Croydon each year in March,” Ms Cowling said.
“Next March this will be a truly International Games as we have athletes coming from the UK, Europe and North America accompanied by a TV crew who will be broadcasting the event live for their international audience.”
The music line-up on the day is being presented in conjunction with Victorian Folk Music Club and performances will take place indoors at Seaworks’ Pirates Tavern venue.
The Newport Folk and Fiddle Club Celtic Group, The Newport Bush Orchestra, Celtic vocal and dance group Saoirse and solo performer Elizabeth Sutherland are among those who will take to the stage.
The Williamstown Highland Celtic Gathering runs from 9am to 4pm on October 26.
Deatils: melbournehighlandgames.org.au/williamstown-highland-celtic-gathering/
Cade Lucas.
