160th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival on the May long weekend!

The longest continually running Highland Games in North America, the 160th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival will take on May 20 and May 21 at Topaz Park. Prior to the Games, on May 13, the Tartan Parade will leave Centennial Square at 11 am and parade down Government Street to Belleville Street.

The ceremony on the Legislature Grounds will not occur this year due to construction on the main steps. Pipe bands, highland dancers, and heavy event athletes participate in the Parade along with many members of local Scottish and Celtic groups.

Once again, the Games will be hosting the International Heavy Events Challenge and Canadian Invitational Drum Major Championship, with a full line-up of current and past world and national champions.

We have confirmed that Simon Fraser University Pipe Band will attend, so you can witness the best pipe band in North America compete both days! Massed pipe band performances and Highland dancing on both Saturday and Sunday are must-see events.

The 2023 Games will again hold a Saturday Evening Musical Extravaganza in partnership with the Victoria Military Music Festival Society. The Highlight of the performance is the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band, USMC, from San Diego, who will perform on the Saturday evening as well as close the Games on late Sunday afternoon. In addition, the Royal Canadian Navy Naden Band, Scottish regiment pipe bands, and professional drum majors will perform.

The Victoria Highland Games is a family-focused weekend of Scottish and Celtic arts and culture including pipe band competitions, Scottish Highland dancing competitions, Heavy Events (e.g. caber toss, hammer throw), Scottish country dancing, fiddling performances, Scottish/Celtic and folk music bands, Scottish Clan and genealogy booths and displays, historic military demonstrations and displays, Scottish/Celtic food and merchandise vendors. The 2023 Chieftain of the Games is Larry Scott, editor of the local Scottish Newsletter.

For adults 19 and over there is a Single Malt Whisky School and a Wine Tasting School. There is also an excellent line up of local Celtic bands performing at the Celtic Music Tent. There is a large FREE children’s entertainment area.

Try Lighthouse Brewing Company’s Highland Challenge Ale, brewed specially for the Games and watch the various activities with a pint in hand! Nose and taste some of the finest single malt Scotch whiskies at the Whisky Tasting School and partake in an excellent selection of red, rose and sparkling wines at Wine Tasting School.

Purchase your tickets early and save! Discounted tickets are available online through Eventbrite or available for purchase at the Strathcona Liquor Store (919 Douglast Street). Tickets are available at the Games gates (cash only but ATMS are present). Children under 12 receive FREE admission! In true Scottish fashion, the Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival takes place rain or shine.

Craigflower Community Centre Opens!

On January 19, 2023 the Victoria Highland Games Association celebrated the opening of its new community centre built on the provincial heritage property of Craigflower Manor.   It features a 4500 square foot main hall, multi-purpose meeting rooms, administrative offices and catering kitchen. The new Centre is round in shape with a unique beam ceiling in the shape of a Celtic Knot and a fully sprung hardwood floor in the main hall.

The cost of the $5.5 million building was supported by both provincial and federal government funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and Canada Community Revitalization Fund. Additional funding was provided by the provincial Heritage Branch, the Victoria Highland Games Association and private donations. The community centre will provide a modern venue that the public can rent for a range of events, including performing arts, musical performances, exhibitions, meetings and weddings.

The attached news release provides more information on the new Centre and the opening ceremonies as well as outlines the substantial support from the federal, provincial, and local municipal governments.

News Release