2021
NSW Happenings
Year of Ireland and the Isle of Man
Glen Innes
29 April to 2 May 2021
https://www.australiancelticfestival.com/
Berry Celtic Festival
May 22
Berry, NSW
A celebration of Celtic culture at Berry Showgrounds, with pipe bands, entertainment, stalls and more. Info: www.berryrotary.org.au/celtic-festival
Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival
Saturday 5 June 2021
One day only in 2021.
A free community event at Central Park, celebrating Scotland with music, dance, stalls and more.
Details: Bonnie Wingham Scottish Festival
Saturday 3rd July 2021
The committee of the Aberdeen Highland Games Inc. are planning to hold the Aberdeen Games on the Saturday 3rd July 2021. COVID Laws and regulations will dictate the actual format of the event.
What’s On
The Games begin with a parade of bands, clan representatives and others that leads into the Massed Band Salute and Chieftain’s Address that officially opens the day. Throughout the day there will be fun for all the family – there will be Highland and Country Dancing, Pipe Band displays, Strong Man events with the Tartan Warriors to enjoy as well as tug-of-war, three-legged races, and the famed Kilted Dash to participate in. A multitude of stores and stands will surround the area selling all manner of Scottish heirlooms and souvenirs, clothing and garb, and food and drink to complete your day.
In the evening there will be a traditional Ceilidh, to be held at the Scone High School MPU, as well as a Pipe Band Quintet competition at the Aberdeen RSL Club.
https://www.aberdeenhighlandgames.com/
Victorian Happenings
Ringwood Highland Games & Celtic Festival – Victoria
Sunday 28 March 2021
J W Manson Reserve, Selkirk Avenue, Wantirna, Victoria
The only Highland Gathering in the greater Melbourne area.
https://ringwoodhighlandgames.org.au
Queensland Happenings
TOWNSVILLE TARTAN WEEKEND
Friday 11/06/21 to Sunday 13/06/21
11/06 – Meet & Greet on the Strand, 6.00pm
12/06 – Heavy Games Competition by NQ Heavy Events, mid morning – Scottish Music Workshop,
tbc – Clansmen’s Ceilidh, 6.00pm
- 10/07 – Bluewater Fling, Mackay
- 24/07 – International Tartan Day, Brisbane
- 31/07 – Year of Scotland Ceilidh, Mareeba
Warwick Caledonian Society 150th celebrations
March 6
Warwick, QLD
The Warwick Caledonian Society turns 150 in 2021, and will celebrate the milestone in true Celtic style, with an afternoon Pipe Band Muster with 10 pipe bands and an evening Scottish gala dinner at the Warwick Showgrounds. Info: wsc.sec@ outlook.com or 0401 846 445.
The Gathering
May 23
Ipswich, QLD
A celebration of Celtic music, culture and performance. In the spirit of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, against the historic backdrop of Ipswich, visitors will witness the colour and spectacle of the Queensland Pipe Band Spectacular, featuring 250 of Australia’s pipe band competitors. A Highland dancing competition, Celtic music, lost arts and a medieval re-enactment will also feature at this annual Highland gathering of Scottish, Irish, Welsh, French, Spanish, Cornish Celtic cultures at Ipswich Turf Club. Info: www.gatheringfestival.com.au
Hogmanay Celebrations
Happy New Year = Bliadhna mhath ùr
Friday 31 December
Hogmanay is the last day of the year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year (Gregorian calendar) in the Scottish manner. However, it is normally only the start of a celebration that lasts through the night until the morning of New Year’s Day (1 January). There are many customs, both national and local, associated with Hogmanay. The most widespread national custom is the practice of first-footing, which starts immediately after midnight.