The 13th Hororata Highland Games, held on Saturday 9 November, welcomed an impressive turnout this year. The event featured 230 volunteers, 700 competitors, 140 stallholders, 23 clans, and over 10,000 visitors. This vibrant event once again demonstrated its importance as a major highlight of the Canterbury event calendar and solidified its reputation as an iconic festival.
Chieftain Richard Lang, who has been involved since the festival’s inception, expressed his pride, stating, “I have witnessed the growth of the Hororata Highland Games into what can truly be described as a world-class festival in every aspect. It was humbling to see the joy this event brings to our community.”
The sense of camaraderie and mutual support among competitors set the Games apart as participants not only aimed to excel but also encouraged their peers. The enthusiastic involvement of visitors of all ages contributed to a truly festive atmosphere.
The Oceania Heavyweight Championship was fiercely contested throughout the day and culminated in an exhilarating showdown at the Hororata Stones, where athletes raced against the clock to lift five stones weighing between 90 and 140 kg onto barrels. Australian Terry Sparkes emerged victorious, claiming the title for an impressive fourth consecutive year, narrowly beating Ashburton’s Craig Manson. The Women’s Championship yielded a record-breaking performance by Kelly Drummond, who claimed victory, while Connor O’Brien secured the Men’s Championship with a commendable mention for local competitor Ethan Burgess, who placed third in his debut in the heavy arena after being inspired by previous volunteer experiences.
A festival like no other
The Hororata Highland Games is also renowned for being the largest gathering of pipe bands in New Zealand outside of the Nationals. This year, nineteen bands with 497 pipers and drummers participated in the Chieftain’s Welcoming ceremony, delivering an emotional performance of Amazing Grace, led by Maggie McConnochie, moving many attendees to tears. Scottish musician Willie McArther further entertained the crowd with popular Celtic ballads during a lively sing-along.
Richard Lang emphasized the festival’s significance for the community: “The Hororata Highland Games is a festival like no other, fuelled by the passion of our volunteers. This event embodies a true sense of community and purpose. It serves as a foundation for our community to build our future, with profits directed toward the Hororata Hall project and supporting nineteen community groups involved in fundraising. The Hororata Community Trust is grateful for the support from our partners and suppliers who enable our community to stage the Games.”
The Hororata Highland Games has become a cherished tradition, bringing together the community and visitors alike, and looks forward to another successful event next year.
The 14th Hororata Highland Games will take place on November 8th, 2025. For more detail see: www.hororata.org.nz/highland-games
All images, unless otherwise noted, courtesy of Kathryn Taylor.