ASHBOURNE Highland Gathering is set to go ahead this year, organisers have announced, despite the event’s future being in doubt.
The summer event’s organising committee has decided to run the event in July, despite suffering a turbulent few years following bad weather.
Last year’s event had to be cancelled a few days before it was due to take place because of heavy rain in the run up and events prior to that have also been dogged by downpours.
Highland Gathering secretary Warwick Adams said: “We know that we have to be increasingly optimistic to hope for a decent day in the middle of July but the Ashbourne Highland Gathering Committee have decided to go ahead and organise the 2013 Gathering.
“Some of our traders have supported us by leaving their monies with us for 2013 and we look forward to seeing them on the day. We would like to thank them for their faith in us. They know it is a good event.”
The organisers have also announced that their chieftain from last year, Andrew Gentles, has agreed to become the 2013 chieftain after he missed out on his chance to take centre stage at the 2012 event.
Mr Gentles, who was born in Glasgow, will follow in the footsteps of his late father, Archie, who held the Cromach as Chieftain around a decade ago.
Visitors to this year’s Highland Gathering, which is due to take place on Sunday, July 21 in Ashbourne Recreation Ground, are promised the usual set of favourite events including displays by pipe bands from around the country.
Celebrity heavyweight Geoff Capes will once again bring his team of heavyweight athletes, along with the hill race and tug of war competitions
The Yorkshire Regiment has also been booked to add in a military brass band to the sound of bagpipes.
