Tasmanian Highlands Gathering

TASMANIAN HIGHLANDS GATHERING - 2024 

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Tasmania at the first-ever Tasmanian Highlands Gathering. This festival is set to be a grand celebration of Gaelic, Celtic, and Scottish heritage, and we promise it's going to be a Highland extravaganza like no other! Born from a shared love for Scottish heritage, this festival celebrates the rich tapestry of the Great Lake and its charming towns, blending highland ties, stunning vistas, and local hospitality. Inspired by the Scottish settlers who found solace in the central highlands, the visionaries—Charles Wooley, Frank McGregor, and others—envision a spirited revival. From live music and workshops to whisky tastings, fly fishing, and hickory golf, this gathering promises a sensory feast. Join the celebration from February 24-26, 2024, at Miena's Great Lake Hotel, and be part of a Highland extravaganza like no other.

But why wait in the wings when you can be at the forefront of all the Highland action? Dust off your kilts, tune your bagpipes, and join us as we roll out the red carpet for the most passionate Highland enthusiasts. So, grab your dancing shoes, gather your friends, and help us make history at the inaugural Tasmanian Highlands Gathering. Spread the word and be a part of this epic Highland experience. See you there! #HighlandsGathering2024

A chance to celebrate all the Great Lake and surrounding charming country towns have to offer, including strong highland ties and tales, fishing, stunning vistas and waterways, fine arts, and entertainment, locally made whisky and pure highlands hospitality.

Planning to turn the Tasmanian Highlands Gathering into a weekend extravaganza? We've got the inside scoop on the best places to crash after a day filled with music, whisky, and Highland vibes! Our top picks for accommodation magic include Great Lake Hotel, Airbnb for that cozy home-away-from-home feel, the Great Western Tiers Visitors Centre for all the local gems, and the Central Highlands Visitors Centre for recommendations with a touch of charm. Feeling fancy? Check out Stayz for some unique stays that'll make your weekend as unforgettable as the Gathering itself. 

Don't forget there's also a good old swag/camping option at either one of Hydro Tasmania camping grounds here or at Great Lake Hotel camping (contact hotel directly for bookings). 

So go ahead, book your tickets and accommodation, and make this celebration a Highland escape to remember!

GATHERING PROGRAM

23 February - Friday Evening: Session Musicians Welcome Event with Iain MacLeod and friends: 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm. Venue: Great Lake Hotel. Bring your instruments. *current and aspiring musicians FREE EVENT
Kick off the festivities with the Session Musicians Welcome Event at GLH on Friday evening. Whether you're a seasoned sessioner or a newcomer, all are welcome to join in the merriment. The night promises great company, good vibes, lively atmosphere and light refreshments!

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - Great Lake Hotel diners are in for a treat - from 8 pm onwards there will be a traditional music session as featured in Scottish and Irish pubs for hundreds of years! Expect to hear fiddles, accordions, flutes, whistles, pipes, banjos, and bodhrans. The program is quite spontaneous and informal - someone starts a set of tunes, and everyone else picks up on them and plays along. Then someone else takes the lead or sings a song, and this goes on until the beer runs out or the publican calls time! All welcome. Book a table for dinner directly with the Hotel.

24 February - Saturday Day: Sessioners Workshops: 9:30 am - 2:00 pm. Venue: Great Lake Community Centre
Immerse yourself in the world of music with workshops in the morning and a slow session afternoon culminating in a public concert. *Sessioners/hungry musicians please note lunch is available for purchase on the day at very reasonable prices from the Great Lakes Community Centre canteen or at the Great Lake Hotel.

• Fiddle: Elise Okell
• Whistle: Suzie Thomas
• Bodhran: Anna Talbot
• Guitar backing: Tim Gleeson
• Trad singing: Annie Woolley

24 February - Saturday Day: Combined Pipes and Drum Display: 12 noon – 1:00 pm. Venue: Great Lake Hotel Front Lawn - FREE EVENT
Experience the harmonious grandeur of the combined pipe bands display at noon on the lawns of the Great Lake Hotel, where the enchanting sounds of St Andrews Caledonian, Burnie Highland, City of Hobart Highland, Derwent Scottish, Tasmania Police, and Launceston RSL Pipes & Drums will resonate, celebrating a rich Scottish heritage against the breathtaking backdrop of Tasmania's awe-inspiring lakes.

24 February - Saturday Day: Great Lake Concert featuring Dames & Talbot, Flitch & world renowned David Vernon, all welcome, ticket price incl afternoon refreshments: 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm. Venue: Great Lake Community Centre
There's nothing more heartwarming than having the privilege of being in the audience of musicians inspired by a day of workshops and great company, all in the backdrop of the Great Lakes. Featuring David Vernon (Scotland) and talented Tasmanian musicians from across the state, including Matt, Anna, and Flitch.

24 February - Saturday Day - Whisky Expo: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Venue: Steppes Hall, Steppes - FREE EVENT
Indulge your Highland senses in the world of whisky at Steppes Hall. Sample the finest selections from renowned distilleries like McHenry, Lower Marsh, Derwent Distillers, and more. Community fundraising BBQ, live music, and the wonderful Blue Sage Patisserie will be on hand for coffee and treats. Don't miss this spirited experience!

24 February - Saturday Evening: Gala Event: 6:30 pm – midnight. Venue: Great Lake Hotel - FULLY BOOKED!!!
Join us for an enchanting Gala Event inclusive of live entertainment featuring legendary David Vernon, indulge in an authentically inspired 3-course Scottish-inspired long table feast prepared by the extremely talented chef Paul Foreman and his team, featuring haggis, a welcome drink, whisky tasting, fun, ceremony, Scottish tablet, tradition, dancing, singing and frivolity - traditional dress code, including kilts, welcome. A shuttle bus (gold coin donation) will run around Miena from 5:30 pm till 6:30 pm and then again from 10:30 pm - 11:30 pm.

24 February - Saturday Evening: Second Session: 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm+ Venue: Great Lake Community Centre
Workshop musicians are encouraged to keep the celebration going with the Saturday Second Session. The lively atmosphere and fantastic tunes will make for an unforgettable Saturday night.

25 February - Sunday Morning: Highland Recovery Breakfast and Outdoor Activities: 8:30 am – 10:30 am. Venue: Great Lake Hotel, tickets still available.
Ease into Sunday with the Highlands inspired breakfast recovery. White and brown bread Black pudding Fried eggs Bacon Beef & Pork sausages Condiments - Caramelized mustard onions Memphis BBQ sce Smoky tomato relish Dijon mustard, coffee or tea.