New and returning visitors to the 2024 Highland Gathering are in for a treat as organisers have introduced some new features to the event while retaining old favourites. Taking place at Amanzimtoti’s Hutchison Park on Saturday, 27 April, this Scottish-inspired festival is a great day out for the family, as well as being the annual fundraiser for NPO, The Lions Club of Amanzimtoti, supported by Sapphire Coast Tourism.

“Preparation for the Highland Gathering is well underway, and we’re sure that everyone who attends will have an incredible day out,” said Lion Madelyn Stander, marketing convener of The Lions Club of Amanzimtoti. “One of our biggest new features this year will be a whole new section on the cricket field in front of Lords and Legends, with a big jumping section for the kids, a skills display from the Scouts and prizes and giveaways from Ford Toti. From craft markets, beer tents, and food courts to live entertainment, animal shows, and more – it’s all happening at the Highland Gathering.”

Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism said, not only was this the perfect opportunity to explore the Sapphire Coast’s incredible tourism gems, but there was also a great prize up for grabs! “We’re encouraging visitors to this year’s Highland Gathering to stop by the Sapphire Coast Tourism stand for a chance to enter the draw for an incredible prize.”

The grand prize for 2 includes two night’s accommodation and breakfast at Protea by Marriott Hotel Karridene Beach, a beach horse ride with Gary's Horses, shark cage diving with Aliwal Dive Centre, and a spa treatment at The Baligrand Lodge and Spa (terms and conditions apply).

Durban Tourism and Sapphire Coast Tourism have also organised entertainment in the form of Zulu dancing, a marimba band, and rickshaw pullers. There is also a free Ricksha Bus service offering a round-trip from the Civic Centre along Toti Main Beach/Beach Road and returning to the same destination. There is no getting on or off along the route to avoid delays. The full route can be found at www.highlandgathering.co.za/attractions/.

Other features for the 2024 Highland Gathering

While the day's highlight is the Mass Bands Performance, where all the pipe bands unite to create a symphony of sound, there is so much in store for visitors to this year’s family-friendly event.   

Petrolheads: Cars, bakkies, boats, jet skis, bikes, and more!Competitions and Giveways: There’s lots to be won on the cricket field.Craft Markets: 3 fields of vibrant craft markets with a diverse array of handmade treasures.Kids Entertainment: There will be various kid-friendly stalls and a fun big bouncy house area.Food Court: Culinary delights from diverse food stalls. Live Emcee: Bringing the event to life with music and entertainment is Dave Guselli from East Coast Radio. Live Entertainment: New local artists such as accordionist Dries Laas, Double Beat Drum Studio, and Rhythmic Art Academy.Animal Demonstrations: Crocworld Conservation Centre will put on a live animal demonstration.Dog Agility Show: The best tricks and skills of four-legged friends will be on display.Mr and Miss Highland Gathering: Local models will strut their stuff on the catwalk again.Mass Bands Performance: From 5pm, piping bands put on a mass performance.Beer Tents: Thirsts will be quenched at the beer tents, with the tent at the main gate featuring live performances from the afternoon until late in the evening.

So much to do on the Sapphire Coast

Sapphire Coast Tourism, one of the event partners, will host a stand at the Highland Gathering with some great prize giveaways for local accommodation and tourist attractions in the region. Keep an eye on the Sapphire Coast Tourism Facebook page as Sapphire Coast Tourism is also giving away several free tickets to the event. 

Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism said that the Highland Gathering was not only a calendar highlight for Amanzimtoti, but a great opportunity to explore the many adventures found on the Sapphire Coast, extending from Athlone Park in the North to Clansthal in the South. These include:  

Ocean Adventure: Diving and snorkelling at the world-class Aliwal Shoal dive site or go Shark Cage Diving for something extreme. Waterpark Fun: Amanzimtoti Main Beach and the fun slides at Splash Water World, including restaurants and curios on the promenade. Water Sports: The Sapphire Coast is great for water sports such as paddling, surfing, bodyboarding and kitesurfing.Day Missions: There is much to be explored inland along the Sapphire Coast such as Nungwane Waterfall in the heart of Umbumbulu, Mnini Dam and the historic town of Adams Mission with Maqaqa Exclusive Lifestyle offering a unique traveller's experience.Nature Activities: Deep-sea fishing, horse riding, birdwatching, and nature reserve and beach walks are some other top activities with Baggies Beach Full Moon Walk on 24 April 2024.Walk and Run: The Amanzimtoti and East Coast Brewery Park Run is every Saturday at 8am, free of charge. Mural Selfie: Explore the Sapphire Coast’s stunning murals with the Winklespruit Beach mural a picture-perfect opportunity for a selfie whilst exploring the coastline.Golfing: Enjoy a round at Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club and Conservancy which is also a great venue for conferencing and birdwatching.Animal Park: The nearby Crocworld Conservation Centre promises a family-fun day out and great birdwatching.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Individuals, small businesses, and corporations can join the Amanzimtoti Lions Club in making the Highland Gathering a success! Donate anything from R5 per chair and water for the volunteers manning the gates to bigger sponsorship opportunities. Every contribution, no matter the size, directly benefits the local community through initiatives that uplift and support those in need.

Opportunities also still exist for stallholders and exhibitors on the day. For this year’s event, the gate has moved to maximise foot traffic for stall holders which means more direct marketing and engagement on the day.

Highland Gathering Details

Date: Saturday, 27 April from 8am

Venue: Amanzimtoti’s Hutchison Park

Cost: R60 per person or R40 for scholars and pensioners. Children 6 and under enter free. Purchase your tickets here and skip the lines https://highlandgathering.co.za/product/entry-tickets-27-april-2024/.  

Parking: There is secure parking available for R30 per car.

For more information about the Highland Gathering, visit www.highlandgathering.co.za, call 072 767 7833, or email info@highlandgathering.co.za

For more information about the Sapphire Coast, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or the Sapphire Coast Tourism Facebook page.