Clans will gather once again at Kryal Castle, Ballarat, to the rousing sound of a lone piper calling all kin within the mighty Castle walls, as the Highland Spectacular returns for its third year on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August 2025.
A celebration of Scottish heritage and culture, this year’s event promises to be even more spectacular, with Simon Abney-Hastings, the 15th Earl of Loudoun, returning as the Chief of the Day.
Displays of skill and strength
The crowd favourite battle between the knights of England and Scotland returns to the main arena. Lances will be smashed in the heroic joust to prove once and for all that Scots are indeed the superior warriors.
Armiger for Clan McKinnon and event producer, Andrew McKinnon, will wear the arms granted by Lord Lyon on his jousting shield, making him one of the few knights to fight under their own arms since the Middle Ages.
You’ll also see ‘The Bruce’ demonstrating his prowess in the skill-at-arms, riding his mighty steed against de Bohun, and witness incredible feats of strength as the burly lads and lasses from Highland Muscle demonstrate caber tossing, hammer throw and other expositions of superhuman Highland strength.
Scottish culture comes to life
For those who have never been to Edinburgh for the Tattoo, this is as close as you can get outside of Scotland. See massed pipes and drums celebrating the music of Scotland in the main arena, and enjoy spirited Highland dancing.
For the animal lovers, there will be Highland ponies, a Highland cow, and the noble deerhound display.
Even more Clan tents will be available this year, offering attendees information on Scottish family origins and ancestry. There will be vendors selling kilts and Scottish regalia, haggis, potato scones, whisky and other delicious Scottish fare. Our featured Clan for the event will be Clan MacDonald.
On Saturday evening, enjoy a traditional Highland Feast with haggis and other fine Scottish culinary delights. Accompanying the delicious food will be selected whiskeys and a talk about the distilling and tasting notes. After dinner, take part in a ceilidh, with the stirring Hebridean tunes of Auld Alliance, who will also teach you traditional dances.
Medieval family fun
There’s plenty on offer at Kryal Castle to keep kids of all ages entertained, with the knight’s school, archery, demonstrations, face painting, spell casting, potion-making and hands-on learning. Entry also includes access to the dragon’s labyrinth, the knight’s tower and throne room.
Highland Spectacular creative director, Andrew McKinnon, is excited about seeing the event grow in 2025. He said: “We saw thousands of people attend last year from the huge Scots diaspora around Ballarat and the Central Highlands region of Victoria. It was the biggest turnout to date. I hope that we can attract more proud Scots from wider afield. Kryal Castle is only an hour from Melbourne. To see all the amazing attractions and displays of Scottish culture in a Castle setting makes this the closest thing to being in Scotland. Let’s not forget Ballarat has its own tartan!”
A proud history
The Scots have a proud history in the Ballarat area. Many were attracted by the gold rush and were motivated to emigrate by poverty, famine and social upheaval. The city of Ballarat was first surveyed by William Swan Urquhart, born in Ross Shire, Scotland in 1818. Scottish emigrants took to the opportunities provided by early 19th century Ballarat, becoming merchants, foundry men, bankers, investors, pastoralists, and mine or business managers.
Their success can be seen in the number of Scots who became notable in public life and for their benevolence in public institutions such as schools, hospitals and public buildings. Notably, statues of both William Wallace and Robert Burns adorn the streets of Ballarat.
The Highland Spectacular is proudly presented by Kryal Castle. Kryal Castle Highland Spectacular tickets are all-inclusive and on sale now. Tickets are available from the Kryal Castle website, www.kryalcastle.com.au/pages/highland-spectacular.