Hororata Highland Games - A Taste of Scotland in Canterbury

Hororata Highland Games - A taste of Scotland here in Canterbury

Assemble the Clan for one of the biggest Scottish Festivals in the Southern hemisphere; the Hororata Highland Games, 11th November 2017 at the Hororata Domain. The Hororata Highland Games is a vibrant cultural festival with something for everyone and 2017 will be no exception.

“The Scottish Heavy events are always an exciting and different sport for spectators with the best athletes in the world battling it out for the Oceania Heavyweight Championship. We have one of the biggest Highland Dancing competitions in New Zealand which runs right throughout the day,” explained Event Manager Cindy Driscoll.

“The really cool thing about the Games is not only can you watch all the different competitions, but you can Have A Go yourself; all ages can try and toss a Caber or Sheaf. New this year is a light version of the mighty Hororata Stones or for the brave see how long you can hold a note on the Bagpipes.”

This year the Games falls on Armistice Day, in respect of this, there will be a remembrance held at 11am right before the Chieftain’s Welcoming Ceremony.

“The Closing Ceremony this year will be spectacular starting with the Tug O’ War finals and the mighty Hororata Stones, followed by Highland Dancing choreographed groups competing and Steve McDonald performing and ending with the heart-pounding Massed Bands march,” said Cindy.

For the first time at Hororata, internationally acclaimed Celtic singer, Steve McDonald, will perform throughout the day. Steve has been a prominent figure in New Zealand music for the past twenty-five years.

“Also new for 2017 is our Whisky Seminars with Michael Fraser-Milne. Michael, from Whisky Galore, has partnered with the Hororata Community Trust to source and promote the Hororata Whisky. Each year the Trust launches new Whiskies which generally sell out at the Games. A common comment from visitors is they want to hear more about Scotland’s national drink, and with his vast experience, Michael is the perfect person to do this.”

There are over 100 market stalls surrounding the event, offering a huge variety of craft, produce, clothes, jewellery and much more. There is a great range of food vendors to tempt taste buds, with more Scottish food to experience including, Haggis Burgers, Lorne Sausage, Black pudding and Chocolate Cranachan than ever before.

“Of course the Hororata Pie eating competition will be back along with a new porridge eating competition for the kids. People can visit Clan Lane and discover their Scottish heritage or connect with their own Clan,” said Cindy.

The Hororata Highland Game is a huge day out, with something to do right from gates opening at 9am til the closing ceremony at 4pm. There is ample free parking on-site and this year there have been changes to the entry and exit around to keep traffic moving. For more information and discounted early bird tickets visit www.hororatahighlandgames.org.nz

ENDS

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