Yesterday, the Geelong Highland Games and Celtic Festival was relaunched for the first time since Covid. The event took place at Golden Plains Soccer Club, Bannockburn.
The committee is all new, and they did an amazing job - from heavy events, demonstrations, stalls and music to dancing and livestock, everything Highland and Celtic was covered. The weather was damp but it wasn't too cold, and intermittent showers didn't put off the visitors, estimated to be around one and a half thousand plus (a ticket count hasn't yet been finalised at the time of writing).
In the morning, I set up my harp in a corner of the Club Room, which was used as a VIP lounge for morning tea and then lunch.
Various dignitaries, Clan chiefs and organisers came in and out and whenever they did, I played. Later, in the afternoon we had a fiddle, guitar and harp set as ‘Monument' (during which Craig took off some of his official apparel to look a bit lower-key).
There were some unexpected moments, including an impromptu harp jam with the lead singer of ‘The Stone Roses’ tribute band ‘Stone The Roses’ (currently getting views on Instagram), and accompanying local singer Danny Z in an impromptu performance of ‘Scarborough Fair' (that's Danny, above).
I had the totally new experience of doing two live pieces to camera for a local reporter, and then discovered our daughter Kristie had just become lady Haggis Hurling Champion of Victoria!
What an amazing day, and full credit to the organisers (including Craig, pictured in tartan braces, above, and below, in his full regalia - doing his duties as President of the Games Committee).
Here's to next year, and perhaps being invited back to play harp (and guitar) again.
