Geelong Highland Gathering will move to its fifth location in eight years when Corio’s Goldsworthy Reserve has its turn as host on Sunday.
Sport is again behind the gathering’s latest shift with upgrades to Deakin University playing fields ruling out the Waurn Ponds campus site used in recent years.
Clashes with sports also forced the event off its traditional home, Queen’s Park, several years ago.
In another change, this year’s gathering has also reverted to its traditional date of the third Sunday in March.
Geelong Highland Gathering Association president John Jordan lamented the numerous location changes since 2004.
“We’re sad to have to leave Deakin and the university was good to us. We saw a future there and we’re gradually rebuilding,” he said.
“The continual moves of recent years has seen crowds fluctuate downwards and has put a great deal of pressure on the dedicated, hardworking committee, who will not be defeated by adversity.”
Jordan said Sunday’s gathering would feature “all the usual events” including pipe band and Highland dancing competitions, a Scottish Heavy Games, various stalls, entertainment and free children’s activities.
Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 by concession, $8 for children aged five to 16, and $40 for a family of four.
