Posted by Dust off that kilt and put on your finest plaid digs, the ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXIII is in town and promises to go all out.
Eighty-five years ago, in the seaside town of Clydebank, Scotland, construction began on the Queen Mary, a vessel that would go on to become on of the most famous and beloved ships known to the world. The legacy of Queen Mary’s Scottish heritage is now celebrated annually through the ScotsFestival.
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Climb on board this sunny weekend (February 13 – 14) and experience the rich culture and history of Scotland through Highland athletics, dancing, authentic Scottish music and food, competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts and even Border Collie sheep-herding in ode to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy.
Highlights include a ticketed whiskey tasting with aged malt experts, ticketed craft beer samplings, a Grand Parade of Clans & Bands, a Robert Burns Supper, Olympic-like athletic competitions and for wee laddies and lassies a Wee Highland games competition.
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ACTIVITIES:
Official Opening Ceremonies – Grand Parade of Clans & Bands with an Address to the Haggis. Daily festivities include Border Collie sheep-herding, firing , performances by the Scots Greys Calvary, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Celtic Harp & Wren Iniquity Ensemble and historic re-enactments.
Highland Games – Competition in Scottish Highland Games – tests of physical strength, skill and technique. ScotsFestival will present the Olympic-like athletic competitions in caber toss, throwing the weight for height and distance, the hammer throw, putting the shot, sheaf toss and darts.
Wee Athletics – Kids will have the opportunity to participate in Scottish games and athletics specially designed for the wee ones to enjoy.
Highland Dancing – Traditional Highland dancing including the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance and the Scottish Lilt will be performed at ScotsFestival.
Piping Competitions – A wide range of piping competitions, including solo piping, ensemble piping, and the incredible pipe band ensemble.
Rock Yer Kilt Concert (Feb. 13, 6:30pm -12:30am) – Experience live music from the best Scottish, Gaelic and Celtic artists including the WICKED TINKERS and more.
Robert Burns Supper (Feb. 13, 6:30pm) – Celebrate Scotland’s best-loved bard, Robert Burns, with a traditional Burns Supper including haggis, whisky, traditional Scottish music and dancing in the Queen’s Salon aboard the World Famous Queen Mary. Following the evening’s finest bit of pomp – the piping in of the haggis, guests will enjoy a complimentary cocktail followed by a delicious four-course dinner showcasing the very best of Scotland’s larder. Host, John Hannah will guide you through an evening devoted to the man, the poems and the haggis.
Whisky and Craft Beer Tastings – Swirl your scotch and spout a slur of whisky knowledge with the best of ‘em after a crash course in aged malts. Whisky tastings, craft beer tastings, barrel room tastings and reserve scotch flights can be added onto any ScotsFestival activities.
Illumination Candle Shop – Scottish candle making and shopping.
Enchanted Forrest Hedge Maze – Hedge maze and scavenger hunt experience fun for all ages.
WHEN:
ScotsFestival: February 13-14, 9:00am – 6:00pm
Burns Supper: February 13, 6:30pm
Rock Yer Kilt Concert: February 13, 6:30pm – 12:30am
WHERE:
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
TICKETS:
DEAL ALERT!!! Goldstar has a limited supply of discount tickets to the ScotsFestival on Saturday and Sunday.
You can also purchase tickets online at QueenMary.com/ScotsFestival below are regular prices for both dates.
ScotsFestival one-day GA: $19 online
ScotsFestival one-day child (ages 4-11): $10 online
ScotsFestival one-day VIP: Feb. 13, $35 online & Feb. 14, $27 online
VIP includes Rock Yer Kilt Concert (Feb. 13 only), VIP shaded bar and 2 drink tickets
TICKETS TO ACTIVITIES:
Rock Yer Kilt: $15 online
Burns Supper (21+): $99 online
Craft beer tastings (21+): $12 online
Whisky tastings (21+): $18 online
Barrel room tastings (21+): $15-$18 online
PARKING:
$20 upon entrance
For more information please visit www.queenmary.com/events/scotsfestival/
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