Crowds flock to party at the 130th Cowal Gathering
Billed as one of Scotland’s best days out the finale of the 130th Cowal Gathering lived up to its reputation.
Thousands of people from across the world gathered in Dunoon today for the final day of the world’s most spectacular Highland Gathering with competitors, entertainers and spectators joining forces to make sure super Saturday was a day to remember.
Crowds watched as over a thousand competitors fought to secure some Cowal silverware. Dancers, pipers, heavy athletes and wrestlers were joined by entertainers including cyclists, axe throwers, stunt runners and musicians to ensure the Gathering’s crowds were wowed from early morning until the end of the day.
The standard of competition was world class, with every athlete and competitor giving their all to leave the Stadium as a Cowal Gathering winner.
Overseeing the action was this year’s Gathering’s Chieftain, one of Scotland’s most popular actors, Martin Compston.
One of the highlights of the Gathering’s final day was, as always, the Cowal Pipe Band Championship.
Section and grade winners in the Cowal Pipe Band champions were:
Novice Juvenile B – Oban High School Development Band.
Novice Juvenile A – Renfrewshire Schools Novice A.
Grade 3 – Renfrewshire Schools Novice A.
Grade 3 MSR – Dunbar RBL.
Grade 2 – Kilchoman Distillery Isle of Islay.
The champion adult drum major was: E Barr, Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band.
The champion juvenile drum major was: L Anderson, New Ross and District Pipe Band.
Today also saw the Argyllshire Highland Dancing competitions (for dancers who live in Argyll and Bute), with top honours in the 7 and under 12 years Premier category going to Georgia Dow from Helensburgh and the 12 and 13 years Premier category awarded to Amelia May Smith from Dunoon.
Top prize in the 14 and 15 years Premier category went to Ellie Gorman from Campbeltown and Catriona Gammons from Helensburgh triumphed in the 16 years and over class.
Then came the biggest Highland Dancing competition in the world – the World Championship finals - with dancers from Australia, Canada and the USA pitting their skills against the best the UK has to offer.
In the end, it was Aisla Gocan-Wright from London, Ontario who emerged victorious in the World Juvenile finals, followed by Rebecca Acob of Coldstream and Ellie Murgha of Townsville.
The trophy for best Scottish Juvenile Dancer went to Cody Fong from Kirkcaldy and the best Overseas Juvenile Dancer was Aisla Gocan-Wright.
In the World Junior championship, Eilidh Gammons of Helensburgh, defended her title and held off the challenge of Katjana Bruinsa from Leduc County and Maria Monk of Glasgow.
The best Scottish Junior Dancer was Eilidh Gammons, and the trophy for the best Overseas Junior Dancer went to Katjana Bruinsma.
The Adult World champion was Rebecca Thow from Aberdeen, followed by Marielle Lesperance from Dartmouth, with Chloe McClean from Edinburgh in third.
Marielle Lesperance is taking home the Mary McHarg Quaich for best Overseas Adult Dancer. The cup for best Scottish Adult Dancer went to Rebecca Thow.
Throughout the afternoon, some of the world’s hottest traditional music bands entertained the crowds in the now-famous Cowal Live Music Tent.
Top of the bill was one of Cowal Gathering’s favourite bands, Beinn Lee who were joined by two of the hottest names on the traditional music scene – Oban’s Ceol An Aire and Abigail Pryde, who is no stranger to the Cowal Live Music stage, both as a solo performer and with her band, Heron Valley. Also on the line-up was Cowal Gathering regulars The Inverhooley Ceilidh Band who made sure nobody got out of the Live Music Tent without dancing!
While the bands were playing in their marquee behind the stadium, the heavy athletes and wrestlers battled it out for top honours in the stadium itself. In the International Heavy Athletics Team competition, Team Scotland were victorious with Team Austria coming runners up.
In the overall individual heavy athletics, Kyle Randall from Scotland from triumphed in the men’s competition, with Craig Winslow from Scotland in second and Martin Tim Kuhne from Germany third.
In the women’s event, Mhairi Porterfield from Scotland beat off the challenge of Eve Robson from England (2nd) and Christina Scheffaur from Austria (3rd).
Of course, the Gathering’s reputation for being one of Scotland’s best family-friendly events was cemented with the selection of entertainment for all ages.
One of the most popular draws was the debut of The Stunt Runner who wowed the crowds with his adrenaline filled performance.
Among the other biggest attractions were the Braveheart Axe Throwing Team, The BMX Show, mountain biking track, the Cowal Ceilidh Tent with the Inverhooley Ceilidh Band and legendary children’s favourite, Artie’s Singing Kettle featuring veteran entertainer Artie Trezise, who has entertained generations of children with his songs and stories.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Cowal Gathering, Fraser McCowan said the event would go down as one of the most memorable in recent times.
He stressed that its success was in no small part due to the ongoing efforts and support of the people of Dunoon and the wider Cowal community, as well as the event’s sponsors.
‘On behalf of the Gathering’s organisers, I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make sure the 130th Cowal Gathering goes down in history as the best party in town!
‘I’d also like to thank the thousands of people who have come out to support the Gathering over the last three days. We’ve welcomed spectators not just from Argyll and Bute and Scotland more generally but from right around the globe, and the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive.
‘Of course, we wouldn’t have a Gathering at all without the wonderful competitors, who excelled themselves this year. Those of us lucky enough to have been here witnessed levels of performance never seen before.
‘We all know how popular the traditional Highland Games events such as the piping, dancing and heavy athletics are, and of course they remain the main draw. This, together with our Top Field entertainment ensures Cowal Gathering will remain at the top of the list of Fun Family Days Out in Scotland in the future.
‘A big thank you again to everyone involved, and I hope we’ll see you back again next year.’
Ian Laister, managing director at Bakkafrost Scotland, headline sponsor of the event said: “This special family event has brought fun and great competitive spirit to Argyll. It has been our pleasure to support the Cowal Gathering, now for the tenth year. Providing support to local community events like the Cowal Gathering is part of our commitment to support rural communities in Scotland where we live and work.
“Thank you to the organisers who put so much effort into planning a successful event not only for the local community to enjoy, but for visitors to experience the best of what Scottish tradition has to offer.
“Our flagship Native Hebridean salmon has been a hit but the world Highland Dancing competition was a highlight for me.”
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported through EventScotland’s International Events Programme.
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the website (www.cowalgathering.com) as soon as possible.
Watch the World Highland Dancing Championship Finals Saturday 31 August 2024
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Cowal Gathering 130th celebrations continue in day two of the event
In the junior solo piping section, Euan Mccartan from Lochgilphead picked up the Burgh Cup with Ryan Gillies from Dunoon second, picking up The Inglis Trophy. The Best Dressed Playing Piper: Juvenile was James Silcock from Falkirk.
At lunch time, the popular Classic Car Display in the Alexandra Parade car park in the town proved a hit with locals and visitors alike.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board Fraser McCowan said he was very happy with the way the event is progressing.
‘We’ve had a marvellous two days. As always, the atmosphere has been brilliant, and the crowds have been wowed by some incredible competition,’ he said.
‘And while our traditional events may be over for the day, we’re getting ready for the next fixture, the Gig at the Gathering later this evening.
‘The Gig is a fantastic way to kick off your Cowal Gathering weekend. Those lucky enough to have got a ticket can look forward to an excellent evening of music headlined by Torridon.
‘Those people who weren’t so fortunate can look forward to tomorrow’s Live Music Tent, when we welcome, The Inverhooley Ceilidh Band and Abigail Pryde together with Ceol An Aire and headliners Beinn Lee
‘If you haven’t already bought your ticket, I would urge you to come to the Stadium tomorrow for a fantastic day out with something for the whole family.’
Ian Laister, managing director at Bakkafrost Scotland, headline sponsor of the event said: “We’ve been sponsoring this event for ten years now and the Cowal Gathering continues to attract participants and visitors from across the world which is a great thing for Scotland and for this special community.
“There’s great spirit and it’s wonderful to see the area so busy. It’s the final day tomorrow but we’re looking forward to a jam-packed day and to see more people enjoy what Scotland has to offer.”
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported by EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme.
Dunoon welcomes crowds for day one of Cowal Gathering 2024
Dunoon welcomed thousands of people today as the 130th Cowal Gathering finally kicked off.
Visitors from the four corners of the globe have been pouring into the town and surrounding area over the last few days in the run-up to what is one of the most eagerly anticipated events in the Scottish events calendar.
The action began early when the Scottish National Highland Dancing Championships began at 08.30am.
Today’s competitions – which included the qualifiers for Saturday’s World Highland Dancing Championships - saw 446 dancers in 10 categories battle it out for some coveted Cowal silverware.
Among the winners were: Alexa Bianconcini from Glenrothes, who won the premier category for dancers aged 11 years, picking up the Elkington Challenge Trophy, Drew Fraser from Scarborough won the May G Falconer Trophy for the best Male Dancer in any of the Scottish Championships Events 8 to 15 and Sophie Strachan from Forfar who won the May Falconer Memorial Trophy for the best Scottish Dancer (resident) in Events 8 to 15.
It wasn’t all about dancing today, because the entertainment kept going into the evening with the ever-popular 5K Cowal Run taking place from the Crazy Golf course at West Bay at 7.15pm.
More than 80 athletes signed up to take part and were cheered on by spectators lining the route.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board Fraser McCowan said he was delighted by how the event’s first day had gone.
‘The eyes of the Highland dancing world are once again on Dunoon,’ he said.
‘Highland dancing fans from all corners of the globe are watching the action not only in the Stadium, but also online as the Gathering broadcasts all the dancing competitions by livestream, on the Cowal Gathering YouTube channel.
‘The feedback from our online audience is already very positive and the excitement is just going to be heightened over the next couple of days as we get nearer to crowning this year’s world champions.’
“Even a bit of wet weather failed to dampen the spirits of competitors and spectators, most of whom come prepared for rain at some stage of the proceedings!,” he added.
‘We’ve got a packed schedule for tomorrow and Saturday with something for everyone to enjoy, from Highland Dancing, pipe bands, solo piping, heavy athletics and ceilidh music to stunt runners, axe throwing, kids’ entertainment or any of the other many attractions the Gathering now boasts.
‘I’m delighted with how the first day has gone, and we very much look forward to welcoming everyone back again tomorrow for another day of spectacular entertainment.”
Ian Laister, managing director at Bakkafrost Scotland, said: “We’re back for the tenth year as headline sponsor and it’s brilliant to see the event in full swing.
“Providing support to local community events like the Cowal Gathering is part of our commitment to support rural communities in Scotland, where we live and work. Scottish heritage is celebrated by not only the community but by visitors to the event from across the world, including many of the participants.
“Our flagship Native Hebridean salmon is here at the event. and I hope everyone gets to have a taste and go and see the demonstration.
“Best of luck to all the participants and thank you to everyone who came and made the event so much fun.”
A full list of the results of all today’s action will be posted on the Gathering website – www.cowalgathering.com - as soon as possible.
For information or to book tickets for the rest of the event, please visit the website or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 August.
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported by EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme.
For more information about the event or to buy tickets, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.comor contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
Countdown to Cowal Gathering 2024 – one week to go!
With just days to go until the 2024 Cowal Gathering, organisers are looking forward to welcoming visitors from all four corners of the world back to Dunoon to take part in world-class competitions.
This is an historic year for Cowal Gathering as the event celebrates its 130th anniversary. Hundreds of thousands of visitors have poured into Dunoon in the years since 1894 to witness the very best compete in the most famous Highland games competitions.
And this year is no different. Cowal Gathering is the home of the Cowal Pipe Band Champions, the world’s oldest pipe band championship, the World Highland Dancing Championships, where three new world champions will be crowned, all under the eyes of the Cowal Gathering crowd both in the Stadium, and online. Not forgetting the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship, Scotland’s only international heavy athletics championship.
But this is only half the story, every spectator who comes through the gates can choose to see or take part in as many of the additional attractions, which make Cowal Gathering much more than ‘just’ a highland games – all included in their entry ticket.
Cowal Gathering has something for every member of the family in the Top Field entertainment area. From axe throwing with Braveheart Axe Throwing and superhuman feats from The Stunt Runner through to stories from Artie’s Singing Kettle, giant games, crazy golf, the come-and-try mountain bike track, clowns and magic tricks, you would be hard pressed to not find something to keep you entertained.
But that’s not all on offer. Also included in the admission ticket is entry to the famous Cowal Live Music Tent featuring the world class traditional Scottish music that Cowal Gathering is famous for. And once again the Cowal Live Music Tent is set to rock the stadium with a fantastic line-up of talent headed up by Cowal favourites and last year’s Gig at the Gathering headliners, Beinn Lee.
Beinn Lee will be supported by Cowal Gathering first timers, Oban’s Ceol an Aire, together with Abigail Pryde Band. Abigail is no stranger to the Cowal stage as part of Heron Valley and this year is the first time she’s played for the Cowal crowd with her own band. Cowal Gathering’s resident ceilidh band the Inverhooley Ceilidh Band make the leap to the Live Music Tent where they will make sure no feet remain undanced!
Of course, all this entertainment is in addition to the traditional events which are the cornerstone of Cowal Gathering – from piping and highland dancing to heavy athletics and wrestling.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board, Fraser McCowan said he is looking forward to welcoming the crowds back saying: ‘Cowal Gathering is a special event and this year we were determined to put on a party to celebrate our 130th anniversary.
‘Cowal Gathering means so much to so many people and I am mindful, every time I walk through the gates that we are walking in the footsteps of generations of Gathering goers.
‘Every dancer to ever be crowned as a World Highland Dancing Champion, every bandsman or pipe band to win the title of Cowal Pipe Band Champion and every heavy athletics team to lift the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship trophy has walked through these gates. So, when we say you’re walking in the footsteps of champions we mean it.
‘Knowing that we have competitors travelling from all across the globe who have spent their careers waiting for this moment, to perform in front of the Cowal crowd, fills me pride, and I am looking forward to welcoming everyone to this year’s event.
‘And for spectators who are also coming for our family-friendly attractions, I can assure you that we’ve put together a package of entertainment to appeal to all age groups. We’re welcoming back some old favourites as well as some new acts.’
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported through EventScotland’s International Events Programme.
For more information about the event, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
The countdown is on for the 130th Cowal Gathering
We’re counting down to what has been, for 130 years, one of the most eagerly anticipated weekends on the Scottish Highland Games calendar.
It is of course, Cowal Gathering, which this year celebrates its 130th anniversary. And, if you have already experienced the event, you will know it is much more than ‘just’ a Highland Games.
While the competitors do battle on the Stadium, each vying to win some historic Cowal Gathering silverware, up on the Top Field its family-friendly fun all the way with some of Scotland’s best entertainers on hand to keep everyone happy.
Despite juggling such a wide range of entertainment for people of all ages Gathering organisers have ensured that every ticket holder has an opportunity to schedule their day so as not to miss a thing.
And it’s worth repeating that this year, as every other year, every spectator can enjoy every attraction included in the price of their entry ticket.
That means you won’t have to choose between watching the riders fly through the air in the BMX Show or Braveheart Axe Throwing, discovering the secret of pushing your granny off a bus with Artie’s Singing Kettle or holding your breath as Stunt Runner Liam Collins performs his thrilling show. We also have come and try mountain biking, our Arts and Crafts Tent, Punch and Judy Shows, Giant Games, Crazy Golf… and the list goes on.
And that’s before we lead onto the second half of our Top Field entertainment, our much anticipated, legendary Cowal Music Tent. Cowal Gathering is renowned for the quality of music on offer on Saturday afternoon, as well as introducing new bands to the discerning Cowal audience.
This year the Live Music Tent is headlined by Cowal Gathering favourites and last year’s Gig at the Gathering headliners, Beinn Lee, who never fail to bring their distinctive west coast sound to enhance the festival atmosphere.
Joining Beinn Lee are Oban band Ceòl An Aire who will be stepping onto the Cowal Gathering stage for the first time. They will be joined by Abigail Pryde, who is no stranger to Cowal Gathering, having played with Heron Valley. This year however, she will be performing with the Abigail Pryde band.
Of course, it’s not Cowal Gathering without a dance and the Inverhooley Ceilidh Band will be on hand to kick off the afternoon’s entertainment, so remember to wear your dancing shoes!
All this entertainment is in addition to the traditional Highland games events which remain the cornerstone of Cowal Gathering – the World Highland Dancing Championships, the Cowal Pipe Band Championships and the Cowal International Heavy Athletics Championship.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board, Fraser McCowan said: ‘We’ve been working especially hard behind the scenes to make sure our 130th anniversary is a party to remember.
‘We’ve brought back some firm favourites as well as introducing some new elements which we hope will delight Gathering goers of all ages.
‘We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors and friends old and new back to Cowal, and showing them why Cowal Gathering has been seen as one of Scotland’s great days out since 1894.’
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 August.
Cowal Highland Gathering is supported by EventScotland’s International Events Funding Programme.
For more information about the event or to buy tickets, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
Fans on song for this year’s Cowal Gathering’s musical offering
Traditional Scottish music lovers will be flocking to this year’s Cowal Gathering to enjoy some of the most exciting acts currently on the circuit.
Saturday’s legendary Live Music Tent is back for 2024 and promises to once again be one of the Gathering’s main attractions. This year’s line-up includes some old friends as well as new faces and is headlined by last year’s Gig at the Gathering headliners, Beinn Lee.
Beinn Lee are no strangers to Cowal Gathering and never fail to bring the ceilidh to the crowd. The six-piece band are from Uist in the Outer Hebrides and the feeling of the west coast runs through their music.
Supporting Beinn Lee are three other fantastic bands, The Inverhooley Ceilidh Band, Ceòl An Aire and Abigail Pryde.
The afternoon kicks off with our resident Ceilidh band The Inverhooley Ceilidh Band who are making the move to the Live Music Tent this year because they need a bigger dance floor!
Ceòl An Aire are a five-piece band from Oban who are no strangers to the festival scene. As well as playing this year’s Gathering, they are also appearing at the Tiree Music Festival and the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race in Oban.
Local lass Abigail Pryde returns to Cowal Gathering this year. Abigail has played the Live Music Tent many times with band Heron Valley, but this year she will be performing with her Abigail Pryde band.
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board Fraser McCowan said he was excited at the wealth of talent on show at this year’s event saying: ‘Music is an essential part of Cowal Gathering and this year’s live music offerings are not to be missed.
‘Remember entry to the Live Music Tent to hear these four outstanding bands, as well as all the other entertainment on the Top Field, is free with your entry ticket.’
This year’s Cowal Gathering runs from Thursday 29– Saturday 31 August.
For information or to book tickets, please visit the Cowal Gathering website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
Cowal Gathering welcomes back former Chieftain to celebrate 130th anniversary
One of Scotland’s highest profile actors has been announced as Cowal Gathering’s Honorary Chieftain for 2024.
Greenock-born Martin Compston – who became a household name for his role as DI Steve Arnott in the television show Line of Duty – will oversee this year’s 130th anniversary celebrations.
Martin is no stranger to Cowal Gathering, having been a regular visitor to the event with his family when he was a youngster. He returned to Dunoon Stadium again in 2015, this time to join the ranks of Cowal Gathering’s Honorary Chieftains.
As well as visiting the Live Music Tent, touring the Top Field entertainment and meeting Gathering visitors, Martin will also accept the salute from the massed bands and present the trophies to this year’s World Highland Dancing champions, and the winners of the Cowal Pipe Band Championship, the world’s oldest pipe band championship.
Martin said: ‘I was delighted to have been asked to be Cowal Gathering’s Chieftain in 2015, so you can imagine how honoured I am to be returning across the Clyde again this year as the 2024 Chieftain.
To be invited to take on this role is an absolute privilege, but as this year is the 130th anniversary of Cowal Gathering, it is even more special.
I’m looking forward once again to watching the pipe band, highland dancing and heavy athletics competitions, as well as meeting the thousands of people who will be enjoying one of Scotland’s best days out. I have fond memories of getting the ferry across with my family as a kid to head to the Stadium, and I can’t wait to soak up the atmosphere of this very special event.’
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board Fraser McCowan said he was ‘looking forward’ to welcome Martin back to Dunoon.
‘This is a big year for Cowal Gathering as we celebrate our 130th anniversary and we were thrilled when Martin accepted our invitation.
‘Martin was a fantastic Chieftain in 2015, and he left an indelible mark on the event. Since then, his star has continued to rise, and we have watched his career go from strength to strength. Despite the countless awards he’s won for his work, travelling around the world and living the dream of a successful actor, he has retained his love of his home town and, we’re delighted to say, for Cowal Gathering.
‘We are very much looking forward to what is going to be a Cowal Gathering to remember.’
Crowds have gathered together to celebrate Cowal Gathering since 1894. The 130th Gathering runs from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 August in Dunoon Stadium.
For more information about the event or to buy tickets, please visit the Gathering’s website at www.cowalgathering.com or contact the event office by emailing info@cowalgathering.com or phoning 01369 703206.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Martin Compston is a multi award winning, Scottish actor with almost twenty years in Film and Television. He is well known for his lead role as DS Steve Arnott in Jed Mecurrio's LINE OF DUTY, the best performing returning television drama on UK television. Martin can most recently be seen in THE RIG for Amazon, MAYFLIES for the BBC as well as just finishing filming FEAR for Amazon TV
In Television, Martin is known for his leading roles in IN PLAIN SIGHT for ITV, for which he was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor. He is also known more recently for his leading roles in TRACES for ITV and VIGIL and THE NEST for the BBC. He has featured as guest leads in many other highly successful British drama's, including ITV's, VICTORIA and the BBC's, RIPPER STREET.
Martin won a BAFTA Award for Best Actor In A Feature Film as well as a BIFA Award the Most Promising Newcomer, along with multiple other nominations, for his leading role in Ken Loach's, SWEET SIXTEEN at the beginning of his career in 2002. Since his breakout, he has worked consistently on screen. His performance in A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS lead to him receiving the Best Actor Award (Shared with Shia LaBeouf & Channing Tatum) at the Gijon Film Festival, 2006 and Winner of Best Ensemble Performance, Sundance Film Festival, 2006. His portrayal of Paul in Craig Viveiros', GHOSTED won him the Best Actor Award at the Torino Film Festival in 201. Other notable credits in Film include, FILTH, THE WEE MAN, TRUE NORTH, SOUL BOY, THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED, Andrea Arnold's RED ROAD (Nominated for the Best Performance In A Supporting Role Award, British Independent Film Awards) and MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS to name a few.
Torridon to headline Gig at the Gathering
Cowal Gathering organisers have announced that Torridon will headline this year’s flagship Friday night Gig at the Gathering (GATG).
Known as Highland folk rockers, Torridon made their Cowal debut in the Live Music Tent in 2023 and instantly became Gathering favourites.
This year’s GATG is the eighth since it burst onto the scene in 2015. Now regarded as the best way to start the Cowal Gathering weekend, the GATG is renowned for bringing the party, and this year is no exception, as not only is the Gathering celebrating its 130th year but Torridon is also marking their 20th year anniversary.
Joining Torridon on stage are The Laurettes, an all female band who have been ‘giving it laldy since 2010’. No strangers to the festival scene, they have recently played alongside Skerryvore and Trail West, and while this is the first The Laurettes have played at Cowal Gathering, their Indie Folk Fusion with Celtic Rock is sure to have the GATG tent rocking.
The third band is crowd favourite Reely Jiggered. No strangers to playing at Cowal, this is their debut at the GATG. The band’s festival experience stretches from Scotland’s shores all the way to India, Pakistan, Japan and Mexico.
Speaking on behalf of the Board of Cowal Gathering Fraser McCowan said: ‘We are always excited to announce the GATG bands, but this year, in our 130th year we are especially thrilled at this year’s line up.
‘The GATG is always a great night out, and its appeal crosses generations with something for music lovers of all ages.’
Tickets for the Gig - which will take place on Friday, August 30 in the Gathering’s Live Music Tent go on sale on Monday 4th March for £28.00 on the Cowal Gathering website at www.cowalgathering.com
The gates will open at 6.30pm with the first band due to kick off half an hour later. The event will finish at 11.00pm.
Cowal Gathering early bird tickets on sale soon
Tickets for this year’s Cowal Gathering go on sale at midday (UK time), on Monday 19th February, with a special ‘early bird’ Saturday ticket on sale until Monday 4th March.
This year’s ‘early bird’ ticket which will only be available for these two weeks, will see Saturday adult admission tickets available for just £17.50. After which they will return to the 2023 rate of £20.00 for an advance ticket, and £25.00 on the day.
But that’s not all, for the first time Cowal Gathering is offering a special discounted joint ticket for the much-anticipated Friday night Gig at the Gathering, together with a Saturday adult admission ticket for just £45.00. This joint ticket will be launched on Monday 4th March with the announcement of this year’s Gig line-up.
Announcing this year’s ticket release Cowal Gathering Event Manager Laura Toremar said: ‘It may be the end of January, but the last weekend in August is never too far from our thoughts.
‘This year we’re celebrating our 130th anniversary and we wanted to offer as many people as possible the opportunity of getting an admission ticket at a fantastic price. When you buy your adult admission ticket between 19th February and 4th March, you will automatically get an early bird ticket, at the lowest price since before the pandemic.’
Speaking on behalf of the Cowal Gathering Board Fraser McCowan added ‘Last year’s Gathering was phenomenal, and we’re excited to be talking about launching tickets so early in 2024. We hope everyone who joined us in 2023 is getting ready to travel to Dunoon to be a part of one of Scotland’s best family-friendly days out.’
This year’s Cowal Highland Gathering runs from Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 August.