National Tartan Day celebrations will return to Riverslea Mall in Edgecumbe on Wednesday next week with Scottish dancing, bagpipe performances and plenty of tartan on display.

Organiser Gordon Sherwood said last year’s event was so enjoyable that he decided to expand the programme for 2026.

Celebrations begin at 10.30am with a Scottish country dancing demonstration by the Whakatāne Scottish Country Dance Group, with members of the public invited to join in.

At 11.30am, members of the Vale of Kawerau Pipe Band will perform, with additional piping expected from the Whakatāne Pipe Band later in the afternoon.

National Tartan Day commemorates the repeal of the 1746 Act of Proscription, which banned the wearing of traditional Highland dress and tartan in Scotland. In New Zealand and Australia, the occasion is marked annually on July 1.

Sherwood is encouraging people to get into the spirit of the day by wearing tartan, whether at work, home or while attending the festivities.

“It’s the one day of the year when it’s not only acceptable but strongly encouraged to dress like your great-great-grandad and act like you’ve personally invented bagpipes,” he said.

The free community event is open to everyone, whether they have Scottish ancestry or simply want to enjoy the music, culture and camaraderie.