Harpenden Lions Club Highland Gathering
A Scottish themed family fun day out and fundraiser for charities
Rothamsted Park, Harpenden, AL5 2LX.
Sunday 12th JULY 2026 10:30am to 5pm
Come and enjoy another traditional Harpenden Lions Club Highland Gathering – a fun day out for the whole family. Featuring an amazing Sealed Knot Re-enactment!
Step Back in Time with Prince Rupert’s Bluecoats
Prepare to be transported to the 1640s, a tumultuous era of Cavaliers and Roundheads, as we explore Parliament's historic struggle against the King during the English Civil War. You will witness a demonstration of the skill and bravery of Prince Rupert’s Bluecoats (or "Blewcoats"), an elite Royalist regiment once commanded by the King’s own nephew.
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Watch as Musketeers and Pikemen take to the field, supported by the steady cadence of the Drummers. You will see the tactical manoeuvres and explosive black powder displays that defined 17th-century warfare.
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Beyond the battlefield, visit the camp to meet the civilians and other members of the regiment. The Living History display offers a meaningful glimpse into the daily lives, tools, and clothing of those who lived through this conflict.
Also featuring: Pipe Bands; Highland Dancing; Highland Games (including Have-a-Go Caber Toss and Haggis Hurling; Stage performances from Upbeat Choir, Dance Studio, Sunny Side Up and John Knowles. Children’s Races; Archery; Go Karts; Scouts Cannon Races; Ferret Races; Market Stalls; Food and Drink (including Beer Tent).
Charities Supported by the Highland Gathering 2026
Hertfordshire Mind Network work across Hertfordshire to support positive mental health and wellbeing. They provide a diverse range of services from eight Wellbeing Centres and other venues across the county. Funded locally, their services are available to all residents in Hertfordshire aged 18+ and they offer dedicated services for 5-18 year olds. Their aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone. Hertfordshire Mind Network are a local Mind, affiliated to national Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. That means they raise their own funds to keep vital services running – and every penny you raise stays right here in Hertfordshire, helping local people.
Harpenden Lions Club CIO is a registered charity (No 1198970) and raises and donates funds to many worthwhile causes, including our own Youth Support Programme, which incorporates our Life Skills Programme for local schools, Youth Environment Projects and sponsorship of Individual Youth Projects. Our Lions Child Sight UK programme is a vision screening initiative led by trained Lions volunteers using advanced, non-invasive vision cameras that can help detect eyesight issues in children aged 4-7, before they affect education and wellbeing.
Stall and Franchises
Cupcakes & Cookies
Food & Drink
Alfred George
General
Soul Food
Food & Drink
Indian Tastes
Food & Drink
Churros Boyz
Food & Drink
Clan Bucchanan
Scots Corner
RSPB
Organisations
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Organisation
Caked in Bread
Organisation
Native Crafts
Organisations
Lions Books
Organisation
Phoenix Designs
Crafter
Crafty Devils
Crafter
Deity Tara Treasures
Crafter
Bluebird Care
General
Teacup ride
Activity
Roaming Roast
Food & Drink
Fish and chips
Food & Drink
Hamptons
General
The Old Chapel Fudge Co.
Scots Corner
Fostering Recruitment Team
Organisations
The Royal British Legion
Organisation
CFR
Organisations
Emmaus Hertfordshire
Organisations
Lions tin can alley
Organisations
Ever artsy by Pygmie
Crafter
Unique Handmade Cards
Crafter
Nature's Notes
Crafter
A&M Entertainment Ltd
Activity
The Fun Firm
Activity
The Blue Tangerine Café
Food & Drink
Toastilicious
Food & Drink
Fun Maze
Activity
Clan Matheson
Scots Corner
St Albans & District Beekeepers Assoc
Organisations
Mystic Crystal
Organisation
Mind Hertfordshire Network
Organisation
Harpenden Indoor Bowling Club
Organisations
Lions info
Organisation
Crystal Buddha
Crafter
Mary's Knitwear
Crafter
Vanessa's Candyfloss and Popcorn
Food & Drink
Pepperstck archers
Activity
Berlin Doner
Food & Drink
The Doughnut Company
Food & Drink
Tis always the season
Scots Corner
Harpenden Scottish Dancers
Scots Corner
Moonlight
Organisations
Friends of Herts Young Homeless
Organisation
Mels treats and treasures
Organisation
Face painter
Organisations
From my Heart to yours
Crafter
GByte Consulting & IT Services t/a 3D Joy
Crafter
L J Boy Stained Glass
Crafter
Follow the link below to hear a message from our President about the Highland Gathering
Stall Holder Information
Stall Booking Form
Stall Information
Food Journey Form
Site Layout
2025 Events schedule
You can download a pdf copy of full programme here
HOW TO FIND US, WHERE TO PARK!
The Highland Gathering is held in Rothamsted Park, Leyton Road, Harpenden - a few minutes walk from Harpenden Railway Station. Use postcode AL5 2LX for satnavs.
Driving from the North or from the M1 motorway J10
Exit the M1 at Junction 10 and take the A1081 to Harpenden (approx. 4.5 miles). Proceed along the High Street to the end of the town, straight across the mini roundabout at The Harpenden Arms. At the next roundabout, go straight across passing The Silver Cup on the right. Within 50 yards turn left into the car park.
Driving from the South (Note: left turn only at entrance to car park)
Proceed through St. Albans and take the A1081 to Harpenden (approx. 4 miles). Reverse direction at the Silver Cup roundabout, to enter the car park on your left.
OR
If coming from M1 J9 proceed south along the A5183 until you reach the Redbourn roundabout where you take the first exit up the hill towards Harpenden. At the next roundabout take the first exit, then change direction at the Silver Cup roundabout, as above.
Station Car Park
Free car parking is also available at Harpenden Station, courtesy of Thameslink (no need to display a ticket). Please use the town-side car park (entrance before railway bridge).
Accessible Parking
For safety reasons, Blue Badge parking inside the park is no longer permitted by Harpenden Town Council. A small Blue Badge parking area will be available immediately opposite the entrance in Leyton Road.
Please clearly display your Blue Badge and follow the attendants’ instructions.
Blue Badge parking is also available in the Amenbury Lane Car Park.