KILTS and cabers are just a few of the treats in store at this year’s Harpenden Highland Gathering.

Organised by Harpenden Lions Club which reintroduced the Scottish celebration in 1997 after a gap of 26 years, the Harpenden Highland Gathering, will take place on Sunday, July 11, at Rothamsted Park and promises to be a fun day out for all the family.

From caber tossing to a Highland dance competition and pipe band demonstrations, the charity fundraising event promises something for everyone and new this year is Scot’s Corner, where visitors can try Scottish foods, peruse clothing and crafts stalls and quiz kilt-wearing and clan associations.

More traditional arena events will include a falconry display and a gymnastics show put on by Roundwood Park Secondary School pupils, and whether it be the funfair, climbing wall or circus tricks corner, there will be plenty to keep younger guests entertained.

Back by popular demand, another major arena event will be the marching and re-enactment display by the 42nd Highland Regiment 1815 Re-enactment Society, who will all be wearing soldiers’ uniforms of the Napoleonic era and firing blank rounds from their authentic muskets.

Steve Gledhill, of the Harpenden Lions Club, who promised no fewer than six Scottish bands for the massed band opening area ceremony, said that it was a Harpenden event not to be missed.

“It’s a great day out for all the family with a real Scottish flavour and everyone should note the date in their diary.”

Charities that will benefit from the proceeds this year include Keech Hospice Care and Riding for the Disabled, and more information about the event, including videos of previous gatherings, is available at www.harplions.com. For information not given on the website, call the special helpline on 0845 833 7426 or e-mail info@harpenden-lions.co.uk

Outlets selling entry programmes as an alternative to online purchase include Cravin’ Snackbar at Harpenden Station, Hairline in Southdown, Harpenden’s News4U, Redbourn Post Office, Southdown Hardware and St Albans Tourist Information Centre.