The Island Highland Gathering is a full-day outdoor event at GG's in Newport on Staplers Road, and 2026 marks its 15th year. Six pipe and drum bands travel from across the south to perform, with the island's own Wight Hot Pipes and The Crew completing the line-up across indoor and outdoor stages. All proceeds go to Aspire Ryde, a community charity based in Ryde supporting local people of all ages.
Beyond the pipe bands, the programme keeps going. Highland and Scottish dancers perform throughout the day, the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment The Black Watch re-enactment group attend in full kit, and falconry displays take over the arena. Participation events, a mini caber toss and haggis hurling, are open to most ages, and classic cars and craft stalls are spread across the grounds. Scottish food and a BBQ run throughout the day, the bar is fully stocked, and whisky tasting sessions carry on through the afternoon for anyone who wants to work through the drams methodically.
Tickets are £20 for adults, with children admitted free, and one ticket covers the full day from 10am to 5pm. The venue sits within the Island Riding Centre on Staplers Road and has its own car park, which removes the usual Newport town-centre parking pressure entirely. For visitors making the crossing from the mainland, Red Funnel has travel arrangements in place for the day. Check the community events calendar for more island charity days, or browse music events across the Isle of Wight if the pipe bands are what drew you in.
