This week, Glen Innes opens its arms first and foremost to the Clans.
From near and far, you have travelled to stand proudly beneath your banners — to share history, kinship, music, language and story. Your presence gives this gathering its soul. Groups including Clan Buchanan, Clan Macaulay, Clan MacEwen, Clan Grant, Clan MacNicol, Clan Gregor, Clan Sinclair, Clan MacLennan, the Sutherland Society, Clan Lamont and Clan Fraser of Lovat, alongside organisations such as the Gaelic Bothy, Qld Manx Society, SAHC, ASSMB and CCA, bring depth and authenticity that cannot be manufactured — only lived and shared.
We thank you sincerely for returning, for participating, and for welcoming the public into your traditions with such generosity.
Alongside the Clans, we warmly welcome the many traders, artisans and food vendors who transform our Centennial Parklands and surround the Australian Standing Stones into a vibrant marketplace of flavour, craft and curiosity.
From A Wee Bit o’ Scotland, Celtic Dreaming, Celtic Stag Giftware and the Scottish Accessories Shop, to an impressive line-up of and visiting producers including Amrita Park Meadery, Valknut Meadery, Beech Mountain Distillery, Black Gate Distilleries, Hopscotch Distilleries, Metcalf Distilleries and Viki’s Vodka — there is no shortage of fine drink and good cheer. You will complement our very own Glen Gowrie Distillery well!
Food lovers are equally well served, with everything from Bellingen Pasta, Best of the Wurst, Burger Bulls and Lukeys Loaded Potatoes to Four Frogs Creperie, Diavoletto Pizza, Spanish Fiesta, Thai Satay, The Travelling Cob, The Little Red Diner, The Little Sunshine Café, The Coffee Hub, The Mobile Daily Grind, SBC Foodvan, Super Strawberry and The Mulled Wine Co offering something to suit every taste.
Woven through the event is an extraordinary collection of makers and creators — from Celtic Craft Leather, Highland Leather and Sword Smyth to Daval Jewellery, Dragonfyre Designs, Our Jewellery Shop and Peter Grimes Celtic Art. Visitors will also discover unique pieces and gifts from Annecan Creations, B & W Taylor Made, Brights Natural Beeswax, Framed Memorabilia, Hold Fast Quilting, Honey Lodge, Jacqueline’s Handcrafted Gifts, Jaggy Wee Thing, Joanne Austin Brown, Little Castles Artisan Creations, Mackie Traditionally Handcrafted, Peekaboo Baby Sewing, Risen From the Deck, Silent Spirit, Touch of Tartan, Two Christmas Crackers and many more.
Family-friendly stalls such as Granny Fi’s Toy Cupboard, Imagine for Kids, DD & Bear Dogs, Sth Qld & NNSW Alpacas and Wilderness Cove Alpacas add to the sense of fun and discovery, while favourites like Ol’ Mates Coffee, Deanos Smoked Trout, Hierba Santa, Noblehouse Pastoral Co, Selkies Cart, Sister Bake Co, St Kilda, The Scottish Banner and the Highlands Merch Tent help round out a truly diverse offering.
Community spirit is never far away, with the Lions and others contributing in ways both seen and unseen to ensure the event runs smoothly and remains welcoming to all.
Together, you create something far greater than a program — you create an experience. You give visitors a reason to stay longer, spend locally, and return again.
To every Clan member, every trader, every volunteer and organiser — thank you. Your contribution is not taken for granted. It is recognised as the foundation of an event that continues to grow in reputation and meaning.
Glen Innes is proud to host you. Opening Ceremony is at 11am Friday 1 May at the Town Hall.
To the public — come along, take it in, and enjoy what these remarkable people have brought to our town.
