CALIFORNIA FOCUS / ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXV Celebrates 25th Anniversary
NEW Greyfriar’s Pop-Up Pub, Scottish Bands, Whisky Tastings, Unveiling of Long Beach’s Official Tartan, NEW Birds of Prey Show, Wee Athletics and More
The Queen Mary welcomes back the celebration of true Scottish heritage with the 25th annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXV February 17-18. Hailing its silver anniversary, ScotsFestival will welcome internationally acclaimed athletes traveling to the Queen Mary to compete for titles in such events as the stones, hammer throw, weights for distance, weight over bar, sheaf and the famed caber toss in the Scottish Highland Games.
ACTIVITIES:
Greyfriar’s Pop-Up Pub: Don’t miss the new Greyfriar’s Pop-Up Pub, open Friday, February 16. Greyfriar’s Pub brings guests straight to a backstreet of Edinburgh with cold pints, warm atmosphere, and lots of whisky. Open 5:30 p.m. – 12 a.m. Friday through Sunday.
Highland Games: For centuries, Scots have been honoring the ancient Celtic tradition of competing in the Scottish Highland Games in events such as the stones, hammer throw, weights for distance, weight over bar, sheaf and the famed caber toss. A pre-cursor to today’s Olympic Games, the games were designed to test the strength, skill and technique of ancient warriors.
Wee Athletics: The wee lads and lassies can show-off their skills and strengths by participating in fun Scottish games and athletics specially designed for kids, including archery, potato sack races and tug o’ war.
Highland Dancing: Traditional Highland dancing was once considered an athletic event due to the stamina and physical strength required to perform a variety of traditional Scottish dances, including the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance and the Scottish Lilt, all of which will be performed at ScotsFestival.
Piping Competitions: ScotsFestival features a wide range of piping competitions, including solo piping, ensemble piping, and of course, the incredible pipe band ensemble. Watch the pipe bands march together in perfect unison while playing traditional Scottish favorites likes, “Scotland the Brave” and “Amazing Grace.”
Ceilidh: In honor of the 25th anniversary, continue the ScotsFestival fun on board the Queen Mary on Saturday, February 17 for a true Gaelic tradition, the Ceilidh. 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.
Birds of Prey: New this year to ScotsFestival, the Birds of Prey Show is offered (3) times a day and brings the history and beauty of falconry to the Queen Mary! Learn the Scottish history of various birds of prey including hawks, owls, and falcons during the breathtaking 20-minute performance.
Feat of Strength: Take a gamble at the sixty-foot obstacle course where ScotsFestival dares all the brave highlanders to compete against each other to prove who is the best once and for all! This is no child’s game, and only the best can win!
Sheepherding: With amazingly trained collies, experts on sheepherding walk guests through an incredible show of skill, offered (3) times a day.
Kirkin: A truly special moment shared with the Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival founder, attendees are invited to the Chapel on board for beautiful piano music and a lovely Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans.
Whisky Tastings: Swirl your Scotch and spout a slur of whisky knowledge with the best of ’em after a crash course in aged malts.
Merchant Mile and Celtic Culinary Corner: Shop for your favorite Scottish treasures in the Merchant Mile and learn how to cook and sample some of your favorite traditional Celtic cuisines in the Celtic Culinary Corner.
WHEN:
New Greyfriar’s Pop-Up Pub: Feb. 16, 5:30 p.m. - 12 a.m.
ScotsFestival: Feb. 17-18, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Ceilidh: Feb. 17, 6 p.m. - 1 a.m.
WHERE:
The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
TICKETS:
Purchase tickets online at QueenMary.com/ScotsFestival
ScotsFestival one-day GA: $25 online
ScotsFestival one-day VIP: Feb. 17, $45 online & Feb. 18, $45 online. VIP includes admission to the Ceilidh, VIP shaded bar and 1 drink ticket
ScotsFestival one-day child (ages 4-11): $12 online
Whisky tastings (21+): $18 online
Celtic Cabins (Sold Out)
Weekend Pass: $40 online
Ceilidh: $10 online, $12 at door
PARKING:
$20 per vehicle on-site.
