May/June 2008 Newsletter
Piping
The Gathering 2009 is set to showcase the very best of the pipes, both traditional and contemporary styles, during the two-day piping spectacular.
We are delighted that the National Piping Centre is working with us to bring you The Gathering 2009 Invitational Piping Competition. On Saturday, eight of the world’s best pipers will perform in Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey and Reel, Hornpipe and Jig. The competitors will be invited on the strength of their performances in this year’s elite competitions, such as The Glenfiddich Solo Champion, the Piping Live! Masters’ Solo competition, The Silver Chanter and the Bratach Gorm.
On Sunday, spectators will be entertained by a more contemporary style with a “Kitchen piping” event, an open stage event where musicians prepare their own take on piping traditions.
Younger talent will have their chance to shine in Pipe Idol, the prestigious Under 18’s invitational piping competition, also on the second day of the The Gathering 2009. The players will perform a March, Strathspey and Reel set, one Hornpipe and Jig and a tune of their own selection for ‘hidden’ judges who are in the audience.
And of course, no Highland games would be complete without the sound of the massed pipes. We are thrilled that the Canadian Massed Pipes and Drums have confirmed they will be performing at The Gathering 2009. We will keep you updated about which other Pipes and Drum bands are taking part as they come on board.
In the meantime, we’d love to hear from other bands who would like to be involved. You’ll find an application form by clicking on
http://www.clangathering.org/take-part/content/pipers.html
Highland Dancing
We are working with the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing to create a specially designed International Highland Dance Championship. The two-day competition will range from age 4+ category to the 16+ category dances.
We are expecting between 800 to 1000 dancers to join us and would love you to take part. Spread the word and keep an eye on our website as application forms will go live soon.
Flights
We are currently liaising with airlines to clarify when exactly flight tickets will go on sale ahead of next year. We believe it will be in August, so please be ready to make your booking. Of course we’ll pass on any further information as we have it.
Tickets
Tickets for the Highland Games will be available online in the late summer. Just a wee reminder that Passports are still available which also allow you to take part in the Clan parade and watch the historic pageant at Edinburgh Castle. However, these are selling fast so please book soon to avoid disappointment. Click on the link below to find out more.
http://www.clangathering.org/content/tickets.html
The Gathering Team 2009
As the workload on the production side of our event grows, so does our team! Click on the link to see the new faces behind The Gathering 2009: http://www.clangathering.org/content/the-gathering-2009-team.html
The Gathering 2009 Ltd 27 Queen Charlotte St Edinburgh EH6 6AX
T: +44 (0)131 561 1323 E: info@thegathering2009.com W: www.thegathering2009.com
