It’s hard to believe, but the 73nd annual Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games is this weekend, Aug. 10-12.
Join in on some incredible events happening at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex and throughout the local community, including:
– Featured guest Graham McTavish, who played Dougal MacKenzie in the hit STARZ television series, Outlander,
– Red Hot Chilli Pipers return for two shows, Friday and Saturday
– Canadian Scottish Athletic Federation’s 2018 Women’s Heavies Championship, and
– Tug-of-War championship featuring all six Scottish regiments of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Following last year’s tremendous success, the 2018 Fergus Scottish Festival has put together an even bigger line-up of talent and entertainment for this summer’s 73rd annual celebration.
The 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.
Whether you want to rock out, chill out or belt it out, this year’s entertainment lineup is sure to satisfy the musical tastes of every festivalgoer, 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.
Entertainers include the Glengarry Bhoys, Stephanie Cadman, Cantrip, The Shananigans, Fair Warning, Bob McLean, D’Arcy Furniss, and many talented Celtic performers who will perform at various venues throughout the weekend. If you’re looking 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 the many othe talented Celtic artists performing throughout the weekend, Gillebrìde MacMillan of Outlander TV series fame returns to share his lyrical interpretations of Gaelic song and tradition.
Whisky tastings will be available onsite on Saturday and Sunday, with two women’s only tastings.
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 where you can come down and research your family’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. Also new this year, Clash of the Regiments tug-of-war competition.
On the main field on Sunday, cheer on teams comprised of currently serving soldiers of the Canadian Armed Forces wearing their regimental kilts while competing for a grand prize and 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 you to the breath-taking sounds of the solo and massed band competitions on the main field.
Enjoy the many 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; come try your hand at mini golf, archery, curling, crafts, swordplay, and meet The Fergus Friends. 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 as they contribute to the wonderful festival atmosphere felt by everyone throughout the weekend. With so many offerings at such great value, the 2018 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games welcomes you to join the party and take a trip to Scotland… without the airfare.
For more information, visit www.fergusscottishfestival.com.
