BRIGADOON!
On a Saturday every April, Bundanoon is transformed into the mythical town of Brigadoon in Scotland.
Brigadoon is a Scottish festival that was begun in 1978 and is completely run by volunteers in the local community. It is a registered charity and all profits go back into the community to charities and volunteer groups. In excess of 10 000 people attend the event, which goes ahead rain, hail or shine!
The last few years have had a fair bit of shine… this year it was misty and wet… perfect Scottish weather!
The aim of the “gathering” is “to organise and run a Scottish Highland Gathering, which will include Pipe Bands, Games, Clans and Scottish dancing, based on the strong Scottish heritage of the local area, in addition:
To raise the profile of the local community as a tourism destination by showcasing the beauty of the Southern Highlands to the visiting public and thereby profiting from the long-term benefits. ” (Bundanoon Highland Gathering Inc – Facebook)
Through the committees hard work we feel they certainly achieve all of those goals!
Apart from the amazing games on the oval, for both the kids and the serious competitors, the pipe bands draw the most attention. Even if you aren’t a Scot, the sound of the bagpipes does send a shiver up your spine! The Parade that is held through the street and into the oval draws huge numbers and truly is one of very few opportunities to see so many bands playing and marching together…
After the bands march to the oval, there is a massed pipe band display for which you really have to see to truly appreciate!
In Nest & Burrow we decorate a window every year for Brigadoon, along with many of the other shops in town to help create that feel of Scotland. Of course we are open over the weekend, so don’t have a opportunity anymore to go over to the oval and be part of the day, but we have been many times before and really enjoy the atmosphere. The rain this year certainly made it a little less comfortable for spectators, however, it was truthfully fantastic for us, as loads of people came into the shops for some time out of the rain! Yipee!
If you haven’t been before, plan ahead for next year, it will be on Saturday the 11th of April 2015. To keep up with what’s happening check out the Brigadoon Facebook Page or the website Official Brigadoon Website
All images (apart from our windows) as well as the video have been copied from www.facebook.com/pages/Bundanoon-Highland-Gathering-Inc and wwww.facebook.com/aurora.jane
2 comments
Great blog, showing off our Village to the World, thank you for posting this, really terrific
Date for the Diary 11 April 2015
It is our pleasure! We are very fortunate to live in Bundanoon and be part of such an amazing event. A huge Thank You and Congratulations to the organising committee and volunteers for a magnificent job!