Amanzimtoti
- a coastal resort town on the sunny south coast of Kwazulu Natal, has for many
years been a popular holiday destination for South African travellers, but it
has another claim to fame beyond its sunny beaches. On one long weekend each year, this
normally tranquil resort awakens to a different sound as hundreds of pipers,
drummers and dancers from across the country descend on the tiny town to attend
the South Coast Highland Gathering.
Staged
on the lush Hutchinson Park sports grounds, the gathering had small beginnings
34 years ago.
'Toti' is today recognised as one of the premier championship
gatherings on the South African calendar.
The
organisers, in conjunction with the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti have expanded
the event to include many displays and items of interest for a
growing public - an attendance of around 15000 people is expected.
The highlight of the event is the march of the massed pipe bands. This year 20 bands
take part, and a total of over 250 bandsmen play "Cock
of the North", "Bonnie Dundee" and "A Hundred Pipers".
Finally,
to the strains of "Amazing Grace", the flags are
lowered to close the day.
Haste ye back next year?
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