The countdown is on to this year’s Crieff Highland Gathering and organisers are hoping to surpass last year’s record-breaking attendance.
Last year more than 7000 people from around the world attended the Market Park event.
And early indications are that the figure could be exceeded this year for the Gathering on August 20.
Committee chair Norman O’Neill said: “We had such a great day last year, after all the uncertainty of the pandemic, and everyone was determined to have a good time.
“Of course, the fantastic weather helped and, although we can’t guarantee that this year, we remain hopeful that the sun will shine on our day.
“It would be a great feat to overtake last year’s record-breaking attendance, but early indications and interest we have had from people locally, and indeed globally, suggest this might be possible.”
Competitors traditionally come from near and far to attend the games, and athletes and dancers mingle with musical performers and spectators.
Other popular events include running, cycling, Highland dancing, heavyweight competitions, light field events and tug o’ war.
The Gathering also showcases several piping performances throughout the day, with at least eight individual pipe bands already scheduled to be there, as well as the salute to the chieftain and the customary massed pipe bands finale.
A unique aspect of Crieff Highland Gathering is its Music Arena – sponsored by Aldi, Radio Earn and Event Scotland – where Celtic-themed music takes place in tandem with the games.
In previous years, top acts such as Skerryvore, Skipinnish, Braebach and Clanadonia have appeared as well as top vocalist Charlie Zahm, the latter of whom travelled all the way from the USA.
And this year looks set to be no different, with Manran, Niteworks and Gnoss already confirmed.
This year’s chieftain is Crieff man Frank Duncan, who will follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as actor Ewan McGregor and the Perth and Kinross Lord Lieutenant Stephen Leckie.
Mr Duncan was a director of Crieff Highland Gathering for 25 years – serving three years as chair in the process.
The games weekend itself is to kick off with a summer family ceilidh at Strathearn Arts in Comrie Street on Friday, August 18.
It will feature music from three-piece ceilidh band Tarmachan.
More information on the games is available via the website www.crieffhighlandgathering.com
