The 'Gathering Committee' would like to thank the Alnwick District Council for their financial support for the 2008 Gathering and Mr. Douglas Anderson (Workshop and Competition photographs) and Mr. Colin Bradford ( Evening Concert photographs) a selection of which are now on the slide show
News Update (29/11/08)
The 61st Anniversary Gathering took place in Alnwick on the weekend of the 7th and 8th November 2008. This year the weather was kind to the Gathering and overall the event was well supported by competitors, participants of the workshops and members of the public. Unfortunately competition entries were effected by the need to cancel the clog dancing competitions brought about by in the main a clash of event dates. The standard of competition was again very high, workshops were well attended and the feedback from those who took part has all been positive, What was particularly gratifying was the not only the number of 'young' people taking part in the workshops and competitions but also the quality of their play. It bodes well for the future.
The evening Concert and dance were well supported and the Concert once again maintained the high standards of the past. The Gathering strives to ensure that the traditional music of Northumbria and the Borders, in all its forms, is supported and encouraged. Without doubt the reaction of the audience at the evening Concert at the Playhouse to the Swordy Lads of Alnwick who demonstrated the intricacies and the rhythms that could be obtained from playing the bones highlighted that the Gathering was the ideal place to have showcased this almost forgotten art.
There were a number of minor last minute set backs with the organization of this years Gathering and the Gathering Committee would like to express their thanks to the Management and staff of The White Swan Hotel Of Alnwick for stepping in and providing a venue for the informal music session of the evening of the 7th November at very short notice.
All in all a good day was had by all who attended Alnwick on Gathering weekend and we hope to see you all again at 62nd Gathering which will be held on the weekend of the 13th and 14th November 2009. (So mark it in your diary)
MARCH 2009
This years Alnwick Northumberland Gathering will be for the first time (with the exception of the Clog Dance Competitions) centered entirely within the confines of the Alnwick Playhouse. All workshops and competitions as well as the evening Concert will take place in the one venue.
It will be necessary to modify the timetable (s) to accommodate the change but it is hoped that by bringing as much of the Gathering under one roof will prove beneficial both to the Gathering itself and the those who wish to visit or take part.
A full timetable and schedule of events will be published nearer to the Gathering itself
Dates for this years Gathering are 13th and 14th November
To see programme for this years Gathering and Competition rules click Programme
For more information on the Gathering telephone Tony Brooker-Carey in the Gathering Office (01 665 - 712 044) or email us
The Gathering Secretary is Mrs Lorna McKenzie, 1 Kestrel Drive, Westfield, ASHINGTON, NE63 8JS .
The contact e.mail address for The Gathering is alnwickpipers@talktalk.net
News Update (12/1/2009)
The judges, who will also run the pre-competition workshops, for this year's Gathering have all now been confirmed as follows:
It is hoped to obtain from the judges a play list for the workshops which, if forthcoming will be published on this site.