Aberdeen Highland Games - A Great Scottish Day

Aberdeen will come alive when The Aberdeen Highland Games will be held on Saturday 2nd July. Aberdeen (named after Aberdeen in Scotland) is a small town situated 12 km from Muuswelbrook in the Hunter Valley, New South Walesone This is the 12th year that thousands of people will come together for a bonnie weekend of fun and frivolit. The day starts with a grand parade of bands that leads to a Massed Band Salute and Chieftan's address. There will be displays of Scottish Highland and Country dancers.

The day will be full of Tartan Warriors of all colours battling for clan supremacy. Tug-o-wars, egg tosses, three-legged races and the famous Kilt Dash are all must-see events; and no Highland Games would be complete without the caber toss.

The Australian Defence Force will present the Federation Guard with their precision drill movements. There is a 'Best Dressed Laddie, Lassie, Bairn or Pet Competition'

Admission costs at the gate are $15 Adult, $10 Child/Concession, $35 Family.
Prepaid Tickets cost $12 Adult, $8 Child/Concession, $30 family

The Aberdeen Games full program consists of :-

Thursday, 30th June: A Robbie Burns Supper

This will celebrate the life and times of Scotland's best-known and best-loved bard, Robbie Burns. This event, hosted by St Andrews Muswellbrook Royal Arch Chapter will form the traditional Burn's Supper. The piping in of the haggis in a manner not normally seen is followed by a sumptuous meal. There will be singing, poetry and other items on the program. Bookings are essential as numbers are limited. Phone Charles Cooke on 6545 8141 or email charles_cooke@esat.net.au.

Friday, 1st July: Tartan Cancer Charity Golf Day.

This is to be hosted by the Aberdeen Ladies Golf. This is a Canadian Foursome Ladies or Mixed Pairs. Tartan dress is optional but highly recommended to get into the spirit of the day. To enter or to find out more please phone Helen Wheatley on 02 65437361.


Saturday, 2nd July: The Aberdeen Highland Games
9.00am Muster at Jefferson Park
9.30am Grand Parade – Harrison Oval
10.30am Opening Ceremony: Massed Band Salute, Inspection of Clans and Bands, Address by the Chieftain of the Day
11.00am- onwards Display by Federation Guard Highland & Country Dancing, Pipe Band Displays, Chris Duncan and Catherine Strutt – Celtic Fiddle Music, Tartan Warrior's Competition including Sheaf Toss and Caber Toss, Australian Tug of War Titles, Amateur Tug of War Competition and Novelty Events such as: Egg Toss, 3-legged Race, Best Dressed Laddie, Lassie, Bairn & Pet Competition, and the Rowan Tree Ensemble (Celtic Choir)
3.40pm Massed Pipe Bands
4.00pm Closing Ceremony: Presentation to Champion Band, Presentation of Trophies for National Tug of War Titles, Lone Piper

Saturday, 2nd July: Highland Golf Classic
This Individual Stroke Event is to be held at the Aberdeen Golf Course. Highland Classic Winner - Best Net Score Clan MacRae Shield Winner - Best Scratch Score Contact event organiser Duane Dowell for Tee Times on 0432 925 588

Saturday Evening, 2nd July: Ceilidh
A traditional Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee)will be held at St Joseph's High School, Aberdeen commencing at 6:30pm, This is an informal social gathering, with songs, story-telling, music and dancing. It will feature the Fiddle Tunes Band, live dance music, full Haggis presentation and pipe music. The wonderful thing about a Ceilidh is that the dances are for everyone. Scottish or not, dancer or not. It's quite amazing how the music, atmosphere and energy will make it impossible for you to keep still. Included in the ticket cost will be a two-course meal and a light supper including tea and coffee provided by the Scone Scouts. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting Lisa Bourke on 0419 289 719.

Saturday Evening, 2nd July: Free Scottish Entertainment The Aberdeen Sport & Recreation Club (Bowling Club) will be hosting a night of free Scottish entertainment starting at 6.30pm. A Chinese smorgasbord meal is available for purchase at $15 a head. Lots of fun to be had with pipe band music, displays of Scottish dancing and other Scottish themed entertainment. For more details or to book a meal please call the Club on 02 6543 7226

The Muswellbrook RSL Club will also be hosting a night of free Scottish entertainment. The club has a great bistro that will provide all needs Entertainment will be organised by the club. There will be pipe band music and other Scottish themed entertainment. For more details or to book a meal please call the Club on 02 6543 1700


Sunday, 3rd July: Kirkin of the Tartan
There will be a traditional Kirkin of the Tartan held at St Mark's Church, Aberdeen at 10:00am followed by a morning tea at the St Mark's Hall.

For further information see the website:- http://www.aberdeenhighlandgames.com/