Thousands expected for Scottish games

New Years Day will see the Waipu Caledonian Society stage the 142nd Highland Games, a tradition since 1871.

Every year New Zealanders attend the Highland Games to compete in piping, fiddling, drumming, highland dancing, athletics and heavyweight field events with all competitors dressed in kilts. It’s an opportunity to share their clan heritage and genealogy with the public, keeping Scottish traditions alive, not only in Waipu but throughout New Zealand.

More than a dozen clans and over 3,000 visitors are expected to attend.

The host for the 2013 games is Clan Fergusson.

Considered one of Northland’s most iconic events, the International Highland Games Association has previously voted the Waipu Highland Games as the best of its kind in the world.

The event is also home to the annual New Zealand Heavyweight Championships.

Following an official morning parade down the main street of Waipu, the clans then march onto the Waipu Caledonian Park and the events begin.

The many attractions at the games include the NZ Highland Dancing Championships, piping and drumming, plus the popular heavyweight field event, also known as Scottish athletics. Children also compete in running races and relays.

There are also fiddle-playing demonstrations, Scottish country dancing and a Tartan in the Park fashion competition.

The games continue throughout the day and end around 5pm, followed by the annual Ceilidh (pronounced ‘Kaylee’) a vibrant dance event held in the Waipu Community Coronation Hall.