Red Funnel CEO set to welcome attendees to annual Island Highland Gathering with Aspire
Red Funnel CEO, Fran Collins is set to welcome attendees to the annual Island Highland Gathering in partnership with Aspire, which is the cross-Solent ferry company’s Charity of The Year for 2023.
The community event is set to take place at Havenstreet Steam Railway from 10am on Sunday 23rd July – where the old traditional carriages and steam locomotives will be running as usual throughout the day.
The days event will feature some of the best marching pipe bands and highland dancers in the region, showcasing the traditional Scottish art form. The Celtic rock band, Wight Hot Pipes will also be performing, bringing their unique blend of modern and traditional Scottish music to the stage. They are a local band who have performed at Glastonbury and in Manhattan as part of the annual New York Tartan Festival, and regularly tour the UK and further afield.
Discussing the day’s events, Fran Collins, Chief Executive Officer at Red Funnel, said: “It is a privilege to be asked to be this year’s Chieftain of the Island Highland Gathering. I am looking forward to supporting the event, meeting visitors and exploring all that the highland culture has to offer. It is also a great opportunity to help Aspire, our Charity of the Year, to raise money to help the local Island community.”
Trevor Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer at Aspire, said: “The Island Highland Gathering is a well-known fixture in the Island events calendar raising money for Aspire and this year we are extremely grateful to have the backing of Red Funnel to promote our work further. We are really looking forward to welcoming Fran as she takes on the role of Chieftain and our thanks go to all those involved in organising this fantastic day out.”
By popular demand there will also be a showcase from the talented and entertaining Dolphin Marching band from Poole. Alongside a sing along opportunity with The Crew, you can also sit back and have fun with the awesome JC and The Preachers or enjoy the dancing from White Rose Scottish Dancers and Bailey Academy of Irish Dance.
Alongside the amazing bands, dances and cultural performances on offer, there will also be an opportunity to learn more about the support and work that Aspire carries out on the Isle of Wight.
The day’s event provides a friendly family atmosphere providing a great opportunity to explore all things highland whilst indulging in the wide variety of food and beer stalls. To book your tickets either phone 01983 716030 or visit the link here.
