Maryborough was filled with the sounds of bagpipes yesterday as the town celebrated its traditional Highland Gathering on New Year's Day.

Maryborough Highland Society sports secretary Nick Weaver was happy with how the event, now in its 156^th year, had panned out.

Mr Weaver said the track was in the best condition it had been in years and the mild weather was great, likely contributing to the large crowd numbers.

He estimated between 4000 and 7000 people would have visited the event, with some coming from interstate.

While the event has been running since the mid-1800s, its popularity does not appear to have dimmed.

Mr Weaver believes this is because its a fun family occasion and a great spectacle to watch.

The town's main street was closed off and was lined with people in the late morning for the parade.

Bands, dancers and vintage vehicles - as well as a few clowns - were met with applause as they made their way down High Street towards Princes Park, where the sporting events were held.

Ever popular were the heavy games, or strongman events, which saw some individuals display impressive shows of strength to the cheers of the crowd.

The girl on the drum was another hit with attendees.

The Highland dancing was also a popular event, attracting competitors from near and far.

Fyonn Munro, 8, and Aysha Ordenes, 10, travelled to Maryborough from Somers and Hastings on the Mornington Peninsula to compete.

Both have been dancing since they were young, Aysha because her mum Michelle was a dancer and Fyonn getting involved after seeing it at a gathering in Scotland, her dad Donald being Scottish.

For Aysha’s family, the Maryborough Highland Gathering is a longstanding family tradition, with her mother and grandmother Nola Stokes visiting the town for some 30-odd years.

As well as the sporting events, there was plenty of entertainment for kids, with carnival rides, a miniature train, face painting, a mechanical bull and a zoo.

YOU would be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into Scotland rather than central Victoria if you found yourself in Maryborough yesterday.

The town celebrated its annual Highland Gathering, which drew thousands to Princess Park to marvel at the athletic prowess of competitors, indulge in some traditional Scottish foods including haggis, and enjoy the entertainment of Highland dancers and pipe bands.

The Highland Gathering has been held in Maryborough since 1857, with the exception of 1942 to 1945 because of World War II.

Maryborough Highland Society sports secretary Nick Weaver said attendance this year was great and had only continued to grow over the years.

He said there was a focus on making it a family occasion, with entertainment for children and adults.