Mascots join family fun at Aberdeen’s Highland Games

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