logo
Kilt up for a day of pipes, pride at the Highland Gathering

Kilt up for a day of pipes, pride at the Highland Gathering

The Citizen29-04-2025
ARE you ready for the Highland Gathering?
Have you brushed up on your Highland fling? Iron your kilts, brush up on your bag-piping and bring your family to Hutchison Park for the event of the year on May 3.
Visitors and those from far and wide get a wee break from the regular day-to-day for a full day of whims and wonders of Scottish heritage, mixed in with Amanzimtoti charm.
For the great Highland bagpipe, there can be no rest between notes and as such, it takes passion and fierce pride to echo the power of the pipes. The Amanzimtoti Lions Club introduced some of the pipe bands whose dynamic performances underscore the Highland Gathering.
The Johannesburg-based African Skye Pipe Band returns to the greens of Hutchison Park, competing as not one, but two powerful units in both Grades Three and Four. Their dynamic performances bridge the gap between African roots and Scottish tradition. If you hear thunder on the horizon, it's probably African Skye warming up.
With roots dating all the way back to 1943, the Jeppe Pipe Band holds the title of Johannesburg's oldest school pipe band. The band plays formal parades, moving memorials, live concerts and community events, each echoing the power of pipes that echo through generations.
South Africa's oldest pipe band, the Drums and Pipes of the Cape Town Highlanders, was founded in 1889, with a legacy rooted in military tradition, much like those of the Highland Games in Scotland's rich history. The band is made up of South African Reserve Force volunteers and civilians. Most notably, the band has played for Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday.
Durban Caledonian Society Pipe Band is a relatively new band, however, they have been a regular sight and sound at concerts, events and competitions across the country. Their Grade Four band will be collaborating with the Pietermaritzburg Pipe Band under the banner of the KZN Callies Pipe Band, making their debut performance at this year's gathering.
If you'd like to listen to the powerful tunes of the bands and be a part of the spectacle, tickets for adults are R60, pensioners and learners pay R40 and entrance is free for six years and younger. Parking tickets are R30. For more information on how to purchase tickets, sponsor the event, updates or for an opportunity to win entry tickets, visit the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti – Home of the Highlands Gathering Facebook page, contact 072 767 7833 or email info@highlandgathering.co.za.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Benni McCarthy in the family area: Meet the football legend's beautiful ‘birthday girls' [PICS]
Benni McCarthy in the family area: Meet the football legend's beautiful ‘birthday girls' [PICS]

The Citizen

time14 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Benni McCarthy in the family area: Meet the football legend's beautiful ‘birthday girls' [PICS]

Benni McCarthy's birthday tributes to his daughters have taken social media by storm, with fans marvelling at their good looks. South African football star Benni McCarthy poses with his daughter Lima. Pictured on the left is his daughter Allegra, with Mina on the right. Pictures: Instagram/ bennimac17 Benni McCarthy's journey from the notorious Cape Flats' gang-ridden Hanover Park to Europe has inspired millions. His name is synonymous with football excellence, and to this day, he is still South Africa's all-time leading goal scorer and the only South African to win the UEFA Champions League. Beyond the pitch, the former Manchester United striker coach has also proved himself to be a real team player in his family circle, balancing a high-profile coaching career with fatherhood. Benni McCarthy: Proud father of five The 47-year-old McCarthy is the father to five children from two marriages. In 2000, he married Spanish artist Maria Santos with whom he shares three daughters – Minna, Miya and Allegra. The couple met after the star striker moved to Spain to play for Celta Vigo. Their marriage ended in 2007 during his second season at Blackburn Rovers in England. On 24 May 2014, McCarthy tied the knot with Scottish model and former Miss Edinburgh Stacey Munro in a lavish soccer-themed wedding ceremony. Together, they have a daughter, Lima Rose, and a six-year-old son, Lio Romero. Lima was born two years before the couple got married. Benni McCarthy and his wife Stacey have been married for 10 years. Pictures: Instagram/ BenniMac17 and staceymccarthy17 As the head coach of Kenya's Harambee Stars, preparing for the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 set to kick off on 2 August in Kenya, McCarthy's professional life is demanding. Yet, his social media presence consistently highlights his family. Take a look as The Citizen rounds up McCarthy's Instagram wishes to mark his daughters' milestone birthdays this year. Allegra's 17th birthday: Fans in awe Earlier this month on 15 July, the proud father took to Instagram to wish Allegra on her 17th birthday: 'Happy 17th birthday to my daughter Allegra. Love you lots and have a wonderful day 🥳🎂❤️.' Benni McCarthy's daughter Allegra strikes a pose. Picture: Instagram/ bennimac17 Accompanied by a photo, the post showcased his daughter's striking beauty, which left fans in awe of her beauty. Fan reactions: 'This one needs security' Fans flooded the comments section, expressing admiration for Allegra's stunning looks. One follower humorously remarked, 'Oh la la, hope you have your headache pills ready because this one needs security,' hinting at the attention Allegra's beauty might attract. Another fan, Musa Ngcobo, jokingly wrote: 'Always wanted a father-in-law with a Champions League 😂.' In May, the Bafana Bafana legend celebrated Lima's 13th birthday, with McCarthy heading to his Instagram account to congratulate his only daughter with his leggy blonde wife. 'Happy 13th birthday to my beautiful daughter, Lima. I hope you have the best day. I love you so much.' Minna's 20th birthday: A milestone celebration In February, the soccer superstar celebrated his firstborn, Minna, turning 20 with a touching Instagram post: 'Happy 20th birthday to my firstborn! You've grown into such an incredible young woman, and I'm so proud of you. Love you endlessly.' The post, accompanied by a photo of Minna, once again highlighted her striking resemblance to her father. Fans celebrate Minna's milestone The post resonated with fans, who were touched by this, a refreshing contrast to McCarthy's usual tough, goal-scoring persona. One fan, Stanton Fredericks, commented on her being the spitting image of Kenya's national team coach: 'Just like the Father 🙌🏽 ❤️'. In turn, others wished Minna well, with messages like, 'Happy birthday 🎂 May the lord bless you and your family'. Benni McCarthy: Why Kenya withdrew from pre-CHAN friendlies In a surprise move, McCarthy pulled his Harambee Stars team only hours before they were due to play CHAN co-hosts Tanzania in Arusha on Monday in the first match of a four-nation tournament that also includes Uganda and Senegal. Kenya's head coach, Benni McCarthy, said on Wednesday that it was the right move to withdraw from the pre-African Nations Championship (CHAN) football friendlies in Tanzania this week. Picture: Steve Haag/Gallo Images On Wednesday, the former South African international explained that the team took the decision to leave Tanzania on Sunday after coming to a consensus that the Arusha venue was not ideal. 'It was a misfortune. We went there with good intentions, but unfortunately, for football reasons, football decisions, it was not satisfactory. 'The team and the technical team came together and decided we want to have the best preparation for CHAN 2024 and if we were to continue in the tournament, it would have set us back majorly, losing players to injury,' he was quoted as saying by Standard Media. The biannual CHAN competition is being jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania for the first time. This One Needs Security: Benni McCarthy's Beautiful Daughter Stuns Fans on Her Birthday, iHarare Benni McCarthy Biography: Net Worth, Age, Wife, Children and Career, Thekasiboy Scoring Couple Goals: Benni McCarthy and Wife Stacey Celebrate 10th Wedding Anniversary, The Citizen In Photos: Meet the Beautiful Wife, Children of New Harambee Stars Boss McCarthy, MSN Benni McCarthy Shares Touching Note as His Firstborn Turns 20, Kaya 959 NOW READ: 'Insane to think': Benni McCarthy on world's first 'bulletproof park' in Mitchells Plain

Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league
Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league

The Citizen

time15 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Midfield maestro hopes to ply trade in big European league

Total Football Excellence (TFE) midfielder maestro Reatlegile Manamela said he looks forward to playing in the Safa Hollywoodbets Regional League. Nicknamed 'Maestro', the versatile midfielder who can play as a central defensive midfielder (CDM) or central attacking midfielder (CAM) was inspired by talented Spanish anchor Sergio Busquets. Read more: Pitso Mosimane Soccer Schools excited to announce its Midrand branch development From Noordwyk, Manamela (18) said he plays more like Vítor Machado Ferreira, popularly known as Vitinha. 'I play CDM and CAM… I joined TFE through the Engen Knockout Challenge last year, in June,' said Manamela. He added his dream is to play in one of the big leagues overseas. Manamela is a Grade 11 learner at the Crowthorne-based Midland International School, formerly Midland Primary and High School. He said now that they will be playing in the Safa Hollywood Regional League, he would love for his team to finish in the top 3. 'Locally, my favourite player is Relebogile Mofokeng of Orlando Pirates because he plays the game with passion and his proof that hard work pays off. And internationally, I would say Vitinha. I just love the way he controls the game.'. Manamela said his nickname came from his friends while they were playing street football and thought he was just too good. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!

Redefining fine dining with Naan Sense's immersive edible orchestra
Redefining fine dining with Naan Sense's immersive edible orchestra

Mail & Guardian

time21 hours ago

  • Mail & Guardian

Redefining fine dining with Naan Sense's immersive edible orchestra

This August, South Africa's fine dining scene is about to become surreal. Naan Sense is an orchestra on your palate. An exclusive, multi-sensory experience where Durban Indian cuisine is reimagined through luxury fine dining and molecular gastronomy, delivering a truly immersive culinary event. Explore our seven exotic acts through interactive courses paired with a synchronised live orchestra and complemented by artisanal beverages. Guests are invited to journey into immersive dining worlds: The Jungle Garden, a thoughtfully curated vegetarian experience, or The Beach Front, featuring seafood. We're breaking the rules and deconstructing complex flavours. Before either journey, guests can enjoy Silk Hour, a sensorial prelude that perfectly sets the tone for the extraordinary performance ahead. Expect to experience one course blind folded and in pure silence. Expect a nostalgic fever dream. Expect to never want to leave. The premiere of this extraordinary experience takes place on 16 August 2025 at Shepstone Gardens, Johannesburg. This isn't fine dining. It's edible performance art. Request your seat at

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store