Aberdeen Highland Games

The annual Aberdeen Highland Games take place on first weekend in July each year and are run in conjunction with the Scottish Australia Heritage Council's Heritage Week. During the day a number of events take place together with stalls providing food and Scottish/Celtic displays all of which represent traditional Celtic culture and recreation. The games are a gathering of pipe bands, Clans, dancers, heavy event participants, state and interstate tug-of-war teams from Sydney and regional New South Wales to help celebrate the Scottish/Celtic history of the Upper Hunter. There are a number of novelty events for children. Following the excitement of the Highland Games a traditional Scottish Ceilidh is held in the evening. The English Dictionary defines a ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) as "an informal social gathering, with songs, story-telling, music and dancing". The Ceilidh is always a great night out where everyone is welcome. Visit the web site for further details. A traditional Kirkin of the tartan service is held on the Sunday morning.