Bagpipes are coming out of cases, kilts out of closets, and the athletes are almost here.
The 159th Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival is back on May 21 for two days of heavy athletics, celebration and culture.
“The last two years we’ve had much smaller events at our Craigflower property but we’re now coming back for 2022 with the full meal deal,” says Jim Maxwell, the President of the Victoria Highland Games Association.
The festival will feature:
- Pipe Bands (including Grade 1 Simon Fraser University Pipe Band)
- Canadian Invitational Drum Major Challenge
- International Heavy Events Challenge (Men and Women)
- Strathcona Mounted Troop
- Highland and Irish Dance
- Celtic Music (local bands performing throughout the weekend)
- Clan and Society Tents, Heritage Performers and Artisans
- Games Gala Performance (Inaugural Saturday evening performance)
- Celtic Vendors, Food Court, Adult beverage service
- Whisky and Wine Tasting Schools
But, the biggest event of the weekend is, of course, the caber toss.
“Well I think the caber is sort of the quintessential event of the Highland Games, I think it’s the one people really want to see, it’s the one that’s unique to the Highland Games.”
New this year is the sunset ceremony performances on Saturday, featuring the Lord Strathcona Mounted Horse Troop from Alberta and the Skyhawks Parachute Team.
Prior to the big show, the annual Victoria Tartan Parade took place, which started at 11:00 a.m.
The parade travelled down Government Street to the BC Legislature lawn consisting of pipe bands, highland dancers, floats, heavy event athletes and more.
“This is why we compete you know because we get to come and do these kinds of events cause it makes all the work through the winter worthwhile.”
It’s a taste of Scotland right here in Victoria and a must-see for the whole family.
“We’re hoping that we’ll have 20,000 over the weekend, regardless of how many come we’re going to have a fabulous show,” adds Maxwell.
Tickets can be purchased online at Eventbrite and also at the Games’ entrance.
Hannah Lepine
