The event, which started in 2013, celebrates the influence of Scottish culture in Australian society.

Event director Chris Earl said a record number of Scottish clans would be coming to Bendigo for this year's event.

"We have a special clan recognition ceremony where a particular clan will be recognised," Mr Earl said. "The ceremony has only been performed five times before in Australia.

"So the fact that it's happening in Bendigo is further recognition of the important role Scots Day Out plays in celebrating Scotland's contribution to Australia and the world."

Bendigo actor Scott Middleton will take over from Skye Kinder as the festival's chieftain.

Read more: 2019 Bendigo Scots Day Out | Photos, videos

Mr Middleton performed at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and has made appearances on television shows like Neighbours and Underbelly: Squizzy.

Mr Earl said it was great to see Mr Middleton as the face of the festival for 2020.

"He's a very humble person and very enthusiastic at making sure the crowd enjoys every moment," he said.

"What we'd like to do is recognise people who contribute in a very engaging and positive way to Bendigo and the Bendigo community, but also people who are taking Bendigo to the world.

"Scott has done that and he'll be sporting a kilt this weekend."

There will be the usual activities at the event, like the parade down View Street, sword fighting in Rosalind Park, and traditional delicacies like haggis.

Read more: Bendigo's annual Scots Day Out festival filled Rosalind Park with an array of Scottish festivities

Mr Earl said with more milder conditions forecast for Saturday, he hoped crowd numbers would be higher than previous years.

"Every year, Scots Day Out has around 5000 people come through Rosalind Park," he said. "Most years the weather is extremely challenging but we're absolutely delighted with the forecast this year.

"We hope it's a bumper crowd from the parade down View Street, right throughout the day at Rosalind Park.

"It's great to have a weather forecast that will allow the full community and visitors from around Australia to have a wonderful day."

Scots Day Out will kick off on Friday at the Engine Room with Scotland Light and Dark - the Australian premiere screening of the Edinburgh Short Film Festival highlights.

The event will then continue into Saturday, with the parade on View Street from 10am and festivities in Rosalind Park.

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