Mascots join family fun at Aberdeen’s Highland Games

03 June 2019

Aberdeen’s Highland Games returns to Hazlehead Park on Sunday 16 June 2019.

A highlight on the city’s summer calendar, it promises to be a day full of family entertainment.

The programme includes traditional Scottish Highland Games competitions, pipe band championships and solo piping competitions, as well as a funfair, family entertainment stage performances, free children’s activities, a craft and food market and a beer tent.

The Games will be opened by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett and will run from 10am to 5.30pm.

The day will feature a mix of traditional events, entertainment and activities for all the family – including four-legged friends, with the return of the popular dedicated area for dogs.

The Lord Provost said “We’re looking forward to a fantastic day. The support the Aberdeen public and visitors from at home and abroad give to the Highland Games each year is incredible.

“The Highland Games are a part of the city’s heritage and the Council is proud to deliver a traditional favourite as part of the Aberdeen 365 events strategy. There’s so much to see and do, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“This year, I am particularly looking forward to watching the inaugural Aberdeen Highland Games Mascot Challenge. All mascots are competing for a charity donation, including Spotless who is participating on behalf of the Lord Provost Charitable Trust – it promises to be a spectacular sight.”

Mascots will compete in a series of challenges across the six fun events to win £250 for their nominated charity. Fun favourites including the NSPCC dinosaur, Charlie House dog, Aberdeen Cyrenians bear, Aberdeen City Council leopard Spotless and many more will compete in the following:

60m sprint

High jump

Highland fling

Caber toss

Tug o' war

Stage performance

The games programme features heavy events, solo piping and pipe band competitions, drum major competitions, track and field events, highland dancing and Scottish tug-o-war championship (725kg).

A live stage show, from children’s TV stars Cook and Line will lead the family entertainment. The Cbeebies duo will be a hit with the kids when they bring their pirate fun and games to the family entertainment stage.

Giant inflatables, a climbing wall, face painting, Charlie House Fun Zone and walkabout entertainment are all included as well as shows throughout the day from The Critter Keeper, Techfest and Medieval Realm.

A market featuring craft, food and charity stalls are also at the heart of the event.

Tickets are available on the day or through eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aberdeens-highland-games-2019-tickets-54912966160