The annual Aberdeen Highland Games are on again this year on the 1st Saturday in July each year that on this occasion will be the weekend of the 5th. The day will begin with a parade of pipe bands, clan representatives and others that leads into the Massed Band Salute and Chieftain’s Address that officially opens the day.
The pipe bands are what make a Scottish event so special. The unique sounds of the massed pipes and drums fills the air as bands converge from all around New South Wales at the Aberdeen Highland Games. The Chieftain this year will be Charles Cooke, OAM a past President who was instrumental in establishing the event in 2000.
The very essence of Scotland
Nothing encompasses such enthusiasm and colour as Highland Dancing and what better sight and sound can there be that encapsulates the very essence of Scotland than the bagpipes accompanying a kilted dancer, swaying and pirouetting to traditional airs! There will be novelty events for the children including the three-legged race and the famed Kilted Dash. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in their best Scottish attire with prizes awarded to the best dressed laddie, lassie, bairn and pet. The Kilted Warriors are a great part of the event with and not to be missed in the traditional Celtic strongman competition. There is tremendous strength and determination on display when the athletes compete in three the Lifting of the Stones of Destiny, the Sheaf Toss and the Caber Toss.
Further the Games anticipate that the ADF Federation Guard Drill Team will be attending again this year, and they are a great spectacle. A multitude of stores and stands will surround the area selling all manner of Scottish heirlooms and souvenirs, clothing and garb, and food and drink to complete your day. There will be a good roll up of Clan Societies that will be of great help to those chasing family circles. In the evening, the NSW Pipe Band Association have organised a Pipe Band Quintet competition at the Aberdeen RSL Club and hosted by the Tamworth Pipe Band. Get your tickets now.
The Aberdeen Highland Games take place on 5th July, 2025 in Aberdeen, NSW in the Upper Hunter Valley. For details go to the web site www.aberdeenhighlandgames.com or visit the Facebook page. All bookings are online via this web site. For further detail go to [email protected].
Main photo: City of Newcastle Pipe Band at the Aberdeen Highand Games.