Queen Mary is pleased to welcome back the annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXV on February 17-18, 2018. Hailing its silver anniversary, the public is invited to celebrate 25 years of the annual event and experience the rich culture and history of Scotland first hand through an array of authentic activities, athletics, dancing, entertainment, drinks and cuisine all in ode to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy.
Eighty-eight years ago, in the quaint seaside town of Clydebank, Scotland, construction on the Queen Mary began. Exemplifying the finest craftsmanship of the country, the Queen Mary’s legacy is undeniable and today the ship’s heritage is celebrated through the two-day ScotsFestival honoring Scottish culture.
The 25th annual ScotsFestival will offer a full weekend of rich Scottish tradition highlighted through authentic activities, dancing, entertainment, cuisine and athletics. Whisky tasting sessions with aged malt experts are available for adult festival goers ($18 online ) and Chef McBride will demo authentic Celtic Cuisine in the Culinary Corner. In addition to cooking demos, multiple exciting and authentic food vendors will offer delectable bites sure to tantalize taste buds of all ages.
Kick-off ScotsFestival weekend on Friday, February 16 and keep cozy into the wee hours of the night at the all-new pop-up, Greyfriar’s Pub, with authentic food, a full bar, and a lively atmosphere. After a full day of events, continue the fun into the night from 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. with the Ceilidh on Saturday, February 17. Grab a pint and experience the traditional clans’ celebration with games, live music, food, drinks, dancing, and more. Tickets to the Ceilidh are $10 online and the event is open to all ages.
Daily festivities include Border Collie sheepherding, firing demonstrations, performances by Scotland’s award-winning George Watson’s College Pipes and Drums, LA and OC Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, and many more historic reenactments. New this year to ScotsFestival, the Birds of Prey Show also offers attendees the opportunity to take photos with and learn the history of falconry in Scotland. With three shows offered daily, experience the beauty of falcons, owls, and hawks firsthand in this one-of-a-kind Scottish entertainment.
The Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival hosts World Champion Scottish Highland Dancers and many internationally acclaimed and award winning athletes competing for titles in stones, hammer throw, weights for distance, weight over bar, sheaf and the famed caber toss.
The wee lads and lassies can bear witness to Queen Mary’s knighting and coronation ceremonies, and even take part in the Wee Highland Games including youth competitions in caber toss, archery, potato sack races and tug o’ war. Adults can join in the amateur competition fun with activities like the all-new Adult Castle Obstacle Course where partakers can push through, crawl through, climb, and slide through an inflatable castle for the chance to win exciting prizes.
Tickets to the 25th Annual ScotsFestival and International Highlands Games are on sale now and start at $25 online (ages 12+) and $12 online (ages 4-11) for one day general admission. VIP tickets start at $45 online and includes VIP entry, access to shaded VIP Lounge, (1) drink ticket, and access to the Ceilidh. Upgrades, ticket add-ons, and hotel packages will also be available. Discounts are available to military and seniors.