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Are you ready to dress up? Our famous Australian standing stones are about to become the centrepiece for a very unique gathering, as fans of the TV series Outlander descend on Glen Innes. Locals are also being encouraged to take part in “Outlandish, 2018”, which celebrates the popular series. Outlander is about a fictional wartime nurse who in 1945 finds herself transported back to the Scotland of 1743 where she encounters romance and adventure. The fans plan to dress in the clothing of the times – either 1945 or 1743, and they’ve chosen Glen Innes because of the misty Scottish ambiance, particularly of the Standing Stones. The Services Club, the New England Motor Lodge and the Hereford Steakhouse are all holding period events and will change their names to those of ones in the series for the event. Those attending will have the chance to dress as their favourite character and “play out your Outlander fantasies and live the Highlander life”. The festival has benefited from a grant from the NSW government. Northern Tablelands MP and NSW Tourism Minister, Adam Marshall, said: the committee behind ‘Outlandish’ hopes to expand the reach of their festival and market the festival to a broader audience, including Sydney. The meeting in Glen Innes lasts three days and will involve reenacting scenes from the series, including the Lantern Dance at the Standing Stones. There will also be a Gaelic wedding, mini-village market and a look-alike competition and people will be able to enjoy authentic Scottish food at the Crofter’s Cottage. The organisers of the festival seem to love Glen Innes, likening it to Craigh na Dun where the Outlander series is set. “For two days, the Australian Standing Stones will mimic Craigh na Dun. They will provide a haunting backdrop for you to become your favourite Outlander character,” organisers say. “The Australian Standing Stones are often shrouded in mist early in the morning. Sunrise and sunset are magical times to be at the Stones. They are a national monument that is the focus of the annual Australian Celtic Festival and a gathering place for Australia’s Celtic associations. “The Australian Standing Stones are our own Outlander movie set and we are all cast members. The lookalike competition winners will be seated at the Laird’s table for the gathering banquets at the various themed venues on the Saturday evening. “Several dining rooms around town will be transformed into Castle Leoch, Lallybroch and the Palace of Versailles to keep the magic going.”

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