Hear the pipes, see the strength and watch the dance.
The Hunter Valley Highland Games 2024 takes place on the third weekend of August on the 24th August 2024 from 9:30AM to 4PM at Saltire Estate. Saltire Estate is a Scottish family-owned cellar door only 45 minutes from Newcastle, just minutes from the Lovedale exit on the Hunter Expressway.
The Highland Games are a traditional Scottish event that has been held for centuries in Scotland. It is a blend of athletic competition, pipe bands, traditional Highland and country dance and a lot of different activities happening throughout the day. At the heart of the event are the traditional athletic events which include the following: the iconic Caber Toss, Stone Put, Husafell Stone Carry, Keg Toss, Saltire Natural Stones of Strength and new for this year: Tug-a-War where guests will be able to take part (subject to availability).
Pipe bands and more
Several Pipe Bands will play all day long including a Quintet Competition where five members of each pipe band will compete. The Mass Band Marching & Official Opening where all the pipe bands are playing together and is not to be missed. The event also hosts traditional Scottish dancers. Some Highland Dancing and country dancing. They will both do two shows on the day and the country dancers will do a demo to involve the guests as well so they can participate. A wide range of market stalls will be on site going from Scottish craft to local crafts. The Games will also have some food trucks including some Scottish Food Trucks selling the famous haggis, a Scottish specialty.
There will be a dedicated children’s area with free face painting and jumping castle. Kids will also have the possibility to see a real Highland Cow and to create their own Scottish shield. A special attraction will be a historical reenactment group. The ‘The Highland Rose: Jacobite Living History Group’ will provide an immersive experience, showcasing a setup and presenting a show at the end of the day.
The Hunter Valley Highland games take place on Saturday August 24th and Saltire Estate in Lovedale, NSW. For more information see: www.hvhg.com.au. Also follow them on social media handles: Facebook: Hunter Valley Highland Games and Instagram: hvhighlandgames.