CENTRE WELLINGTON – The 2020 Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games was cancelled and organizers chose to postpone 75th anniversary celebrations until 2021.
“This was one of the toughest decisions made in recent festival history,” officials say in a press release.
However, in response to the pandemic festival organizers hosted a “Wee Digital Ceilidh” and Paint the Town Tartan events.
This was a festival-first – moving the event away from the festival grounds and spreading it throughout the community and online.
Paint the Town Tartan saw tartan splashed over homes and businesses throughout Centre Wellington in a decorating competition and included a downtown component that ensured the skirl of pipes and dancers dancing like every year.
A traditional and emotional hearth lighting ceremony kicked off the Wee Digital Ceilidh, which featured never seen before presentations, greetings and surprise cameos from across the world, and introduced experiences and educational components that visitors would not have encountered at the live event.
The Wee Digital Ceilidh saw 20,000 plus people attend the one-of-a kind festival via Facebook.
Wee Digital Ceilidh online a wee bit longer
The response to the virtual component was so overwhelming that the decision was made to leave the Ceilidh live on the website for a wee bit longer. It can found at www.fergusscottishfestival.com.
The Fergus Scottish Festival is grateful for the ongoing support it receives.
“From our dedicated volunteers, talented competitors, performers and special guests, to local businesses, sponsors, government, and our steadfast patrons, our sincerest thank you for standing by us during these difficult times,” officials say in a press release.
“We appreciate your confidence in us and would not be a world class festival without the support of our fine local and festival community.”
Updates
Stay informed of festival happenings and get up to date information about the 2021 event through the Facebook page @FergusScottishFestival and Twitter @FergusScotFest.
“Like and follow us as we remain true to our commitment of bringing you ‘Scotland … without the airfare,’” officials say.
