Following last year’s tremendous success, the 2018 Fergus Scottish Festival has put together an even bigger line-up of talent and entertainment for the 73rd annual celebration, held the weekend of Aug. 10 to 12.
A dynamic board of directors and dedicated team of volunteers continue to take the festival back to its Scottish roots and revitalize the four pillars of Scottish heritage and culture: pipes and drums, clan gatherings, heavies competitions, and highland dance.
This year, tradition and innovation collide to bring visitors the best festival yet.
This year’s featured guest is Graham McTavish, the Scottish actor who portrays Dougal MacKenzie, war chieftain of Clan MacKenzie, in Diana Gabaldon’s popular series, Outlander.
McTavish will be on-site all weekend long, with scheduled autograph signings and appearances on Saturday and Sunday.
Organizers are thrilled to announce a Scottish brunch with McTavish, Gaelic singer Gillebride MacMillan, and famed Canadian book publisher Douglas Gibson on Sunday morning at the Wellington County Museum and Archives. This is a separately ticketed event and is selling out fast.
Whether one wants to rock out, chill out, or belt it out, this year’s entertainment lineup is sure to satisfy the musical tastes of every attendee, young and old.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers bring their bagrock back to Fergus at Friday night’s Tattoo’d in Tradition ceremony. Albannach also returns with their bareknuckle pipes and drums to deliver the fire and thunder of Scotland.
Other artists include the Glengarry Bhoys, Stephanie Cadman, Cantrip, The Shananigans, Fair Warning, Bob McLean, D’Arcy Furniss and many other talented Celtic performers who will perform at venues throughout the weekend.
For a more melodious approach to traditional Scottish music, join Tommy Leadbetter and Friends in the air-conditioned, newly renovated, comfort of the Fergus Grand Theatre on Saturday night.
In addition to other talented Celtic artists performing throughout the weekend, MacMillan returns to share his lyrical interpretations of Gaelic song and tradition.
Whisky tastings will be available on-site on Saturday and Sunday, with two women-only tastings. With the help of a variety of well-regarded purveyors, participants will be guided through the fundamentals of whisky appreciation.
The festival is also proud to host the largest clan gathering in Canada, with over 40 Scottish clans in attendance.
The heritage tent is sponsored by the Ontario Genealogical Society in partnership with numerous organizations to assist in research of one’s Scottish history and even take a DNA test.
New this year, the heavies competition welcomes the Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation’s 2018 Women’s Championship on Sunday.
The heavies events continue to showcase the spectacular strength and skill required by local, national, and international men and women in their attempts to master the caber toss, hammer throw, weight-for-distance, weight-for-height, the stone, and sheaf toss.
This year also marks the introduction of the clash of the regiments tug-of-war competition.
Check out the main field on Sunday to cheer on teams comprised of currently serving soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces wearing their regimental kilts while competing for a grand prize and most importantly, bragging rights.
The Scottish tradition of highland dance also remains a focal point of the festival, and this year’s competition invites dancers to compete in the Fergus Scottish Festival Championship, the Pre-Premier and Premier Highland Competition and the National Competitions.
Then, let the skirl of the bagpipes and the crack of the drums lead to the breath-taking sounds of the solo and massed band competitions on the main field.
Enjoy impromptu performances throughout the weekend as these incredible musicians practice their craft and graciously share their talents with passersby.
From Friday night’s Tattoo to Sunday’s closing ceremonies, the 2018 Fergus Scottish Festival is filled with cultural events and activities perfect for those who are young, and young at heart.
Sunday’s family day is loaded with activities for everyone; try mini golf, archery, curling, crafts, swordplay and meet the Fergus Friends.
Also check out the interactive displays in the Heritage Village, including the Jacobite re-enactment camp, highland cattle, sheep shearing, blacksmithing and handicrafts.
Visit the tea tent, highland pub, concessions, and vendors. For more information, please visit www.fergusscottishfestival.com
