After calling Cobourg home since 1963, the Cobourg Highland Games Society are moving to a new location in Port Hope for their 60th anniversary on June 14 & 15th, 2024. To coincide with the move, they are changing the event name to the Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Everything else stays the same. You will still be entertained by Celtic music, see competitions in solo Piping and Drumming, Pipe Bands, Highland Dancing and Heavy events, learn about your Clan heritage and visit food and merchandise vendors. There’s fun for the little ones too, in the Wee Highlanders area. The Games are thrilled to announce that Bruce Fummey will be the Honourary Chieftain this year. Bruce is taking time out of his Stories of Scotland Canadian Tour to take on the role of Honourary Chieftain for our Northumberland Highland Games.
Why the move to Port Hope?
The decision was not made lightly, nor in haste, however there are several reasons for the move to Port Hope. While Victoria Park in Cobourg is a beautiful setting beside Lake Ontario, the event is outgrowing the park and in need of a larger space for competitors, vendors and attendees. The Port Hope site offers that additional space, dedicated spots for all events, as well as a large outbuilding where Highland Dancing can take place.
It’s not only Northumberland residents who attend the Games, with approximately 1,000 competitors from all over Ontario and the USA, who bring family and friends, bringing lots of out-of-town visitors. A big bonus for the new site is the Games can now offer free parking for all guests. As a non-profit organization, comprised solely of volunteers, the Cobourg Highland Games Society are very aware of their financial health. Operating costs in Port Hope will be reduced and that allows them to pass the savings to guests. As a result, one of the first things they have done, is to lower the entry fee for 2024. But best of all? Parking is free!
Where will the 2024 Games take place?
The new location is at the Port Hope Agricultural Park, which Northumberland residents will know as the site for the Port Hope Fair. If you are not familiar with the site it’s in the east end of town at 62 McCaul St. Port Hope, ON, L1A 1A2. There is easy access to the park from both Highway 2 and Highway 401. Free parking is available at the park. The Games will always cherish its connection with Cobourg – being able to host an event for 60 years in the town is a remarkable achievement. The committee feel the new title Northumberland Scottish Festival and Highland Games better reflects our ties with Northumberland County and the communities within. The committee is working hard to make this 60th anniversary memorable, so there’s lots of planning and behind the scenes activities happening right now.
The Northumberland Scottish Festival & Highland Games will take place June 14 & 15, 2024 for full information see: www.northumberlandhighlandgames.ca or follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news. You can also email the Games at: [email protected].