2019 Games
2019 will see a big shake up with our games
new venue ~ new itinerary ~ new entertainment & more...
This is what happened in 2018...
Clann An Drumma - Sat 12.20, 2.25 & 4.25pm
Clann an Drumma at the Holiday Inn, Truro
Sun 12.30 & 4.25
Clann An Drumma are the phenomenon from Glasgow, Scotland, that inspired a new wave of Highland Pipe and Drum Music like nothing that had come before.
Their traditional tribal music with contemporary Celtic Rhythms stir the blood, touch the heart & took everyone who watched them perform here in NS to the mountains & glens of Scotland.
Sponsored by the Colchester Highland Games & Gathering Society
Clann An Drumma have a new track entitled 'The Sugar Moon Farm' to commemorate their trip to Nova Scotia and the inaugural Highland Games in 2017
Highland Dance 9am start
Support our young dancers by stopping a while at the Highland Dance Stage. Sponsored in part by the
Association.
Information and application forms will be available Summer 2018 HERE
This year will also see the Irish Dancers perform on this stage, including an Irish V Scots Dance Off
Pipes & Drums
No Highland Games is complete without the skirl of the pipes and the beat of the drums.
We are inviting bands from around the province to showcase their talent on our main field on Saturday, Sunday or both please contact us HERE for more info or if your band would like to be involved in any way.
For a full itinerary of the days events click HERE
Tug 'O' War - Sat 12.30
Amateur teams of 5 plus 1 coach. Register HERE
Winners will receive a medal and have their name added to the Gallus Gael Tug 'O' War Cup which is currently displayed in the Marigold Sports Hall of Fame.
Go visit and see what your team could win in 2018! Sponsored by
The Heavies
Ladies-Sat 9am ~ Mens-Sat & Sun 1pm ~ Amatuer - Sun 9am
COLCHESTER - HOME TO THE MARITIME CHAMPIONSHIPS
Part Sponsored by
Truro Nissan
Novices, Mens, Womens & Junior Competitions.
Try the Ogilvie Stone challenge to win $50 in prize money.
For more information or to enter as a novice click HERE
Bairns Battles Sat & Sun 12.30
All you budding athletes out there... get your chance to shine & win a prize at one of our races in 2018 ... 100m, obstacle races, Mini Highland Games and lots more.
All races free to enter for ages 12 and under. Register at the Games.
Kilted Dash
Sat & Sun 2pm
Beg or borrow a kilt and compete in our Kilted Dash in 2018.
There are also some sprints & a
3 legged egg and spoon race!
Get your chance to win Gold at our 2018 Highland Games on
Sept 8th & 9th
Register at the Games
Clan Alley
Clans are invited to join us again in 2018 as our honoured guests.
To Register click here
Thank you to all who signed the
Book of Clans at the Clan Donald tent in 2017.
Our Re-enactors
Sat 1.05, 1.50, 3.30pm Sun 11.30 & 1.20pm
Gallus Gael
Colchester Highland Games & Gathering
Sword Duellists.
From our youngest 16 year old female sword duellist to our oldest in their late 50's they will astound you with the speed of this unchoreographed duelling display.
Hold your breathe as battles are fought to the death for your entertainment.
Sat 11.30am & 3pm sun 1pm
Nova Scotia Highlanders
The first battalion Nova Scotia Highlanders will give multiple thrilling demonstration of the weaponry in a field combat re-enactment. We love the smoke, gunfire & loud bangs.
Their Pipe Band Members will also be performing on our main field.
Sat 11.15, 11.40, 1.50 Sun 10.35 & 3pm
84th Regiment of Foot - 2nd Battalion
Living History Encampment
Travel back in time with a visit to their encampment to see the food they would have eaten, the weapons they used, the period dress they wore & hear the roar of the cannons & muskets.
Also see a demonstration with Gallus Gael on how muskets fair against swords. (1.50pm - Saturday)
Caledonian Orchestra of Nova Scotia - Sun 2pm
On Sunday September 9th we will be bringing you The Caledonian Orchestra of Nova Scotia who has a sound distinctive to the culture of Scotland. The harmonies, timing and tempo all reflect a style of music, unique to a country where history was determined not only by events, but through a developed awareness of dance and song. Scottish music is unique and strives to capture the essence of its people and culture.
Greene School of Irish Dance - Sat 12noon & 3
Returning in 2018 to the 'Highland Dance Stage' these young dancers are highly talented and very athletic. Amazing costume, hair and makeup make them a joy to watch.
Irish V Scots Dance off at 3pm - not to be missed!
Drum Runners of Truro Sun 1.25pm
The Drum Runners of Truro
are a local band with some great talent on
the Drums.
We are pleased to announce they will be back on our live music stage in 2018.
Craft Fair
Hand Crafters and direct sellers with a Celtic, Mi'kmaq, Acadian or Canadian theme are welcome to join us.
Interested in having a space in 2018? -
Complete our application HERE
Beer Garden
Quench your thirst with a cool beer in the Grandstand or out on the Patio.
Food Vendors
Satisfy your cravings with a host of treats in and around the
Grandstand area and along clan alley and re-enactors row.
Scottish Backhold Wrestling
Saturday 12.30pm
For the FIRST time in Atlantic Canada,
A fully Sanctioned
Scottish Backhold Wrestling Competition open to ALL amateurs.
For more info & Competitor Registration Click HERE
Truro Concert Band
Sunday - 3.10pm
Truro's own concert band is on of the town's oldest organisation.
With membership open to all - rehearsals take place on Tuesdays, 7.30 at the public library building
or find out more on the afternoon of Sunday 9th at our games!
Archery
NEW for 2018 - Traditional bow archery. Come along to our archery range and fire off some arrows.
Also come along to our bow making workshop at 1pm on Sunday in our workshop tent. Limited numbers - book HERE
Sons of Gael - Sat 3.15pm
The four members of Sons of Gael grew out of a group of pipers who sang traditional songs on their journeys to and from piping engagements.
Members have come and gone throughout the years but the band have stayed rooted in traditional Celtic and Maritime songs with strong harmonies and character which will entertain music lovers of all backgrounds.
Don volunteered for our first highland games as one of the field co-ordinators and we welcomed him, George, Allan & Charlie to our highland games in 2018.
Hugh Campbell - MC
Hugh began his performing career at Ceilidh’s, house parties & concerts, combined with a mixture of the Folk & 'hippie' scene.
The early eighties, the years not his age, saw him performing in an Irish / Scottish /folk four-piece band “Ceilidh”. This band played throughout the maritimes at private clubs, festivals, house parties, etc. including the Miramichi Irish festival, Judique on the floor days, and national conventions.
He has played in two duo groups “Kelly’s Brew” and “Island Mist”. They booked and played when 'Ceilidh' was not available. Additionally, he has also performed as a solo artist for many occasions including weddings and wakes.
Hugh was our MC for the day and also performed on our live music stage - A man of many talents indeed.
Truro Cadets Sat 2.40pm & Sun 2.30pm
Watch as the young men and women of the Truro Cadets display the skills required in precision and style.
They will also be amongst our volunteers for the day helping all around the field & guiding you to where you want to be.
Mi'kmaq Dancers & Drummers
Saturday 11.30am
We opened our games and heard the story through music & dance in 2018
With amazing costumes
& the haunting sound of
the voices & Drums of the
Irontide Drummers
Traditional Sideshows
We are looking for some Side shows in keeping with our traditional theme.
Coconut Shy, Toss the Ring etc...
CONTACT US NOW
Amelia Parker - Sat 10.20
Amelia Parker is from Pictou County and has been playing fiddle since she was six! She was placed 2nd at the Canadian Open Old Time Fiddling Championships and 1st at the Maritime Fiddle Festival this year. She is a keen Step dancer and does some highland fling as well. She also plays in the Caledonian Orchestra of Nova Scotia. There is no end to this young lady's talents!
She will be accompanied on stage by singer/songwriter Ray Stewart on guitar.
Jason Brown - Sat 9.35 & 1.45
The Guitar jester J Brown is from Fall River and has been playing guitar since the age of 5.
He can perform just about any genre, but his heart lies in the distinctive style of blues legend Stevie Ray Vaught. If you have a love for the sounds of the acoustic guitar, then J Brown is a show you won't want to miss.
Rhonda MacLellan-Sat 1pm
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY OUT AT THE ATHLETICS (RUNNING AND RACES), WRESTLING or TUG O WAR
THEN COME ALONG TO OUR GAMES IN 2019
Ceilidh Dance Party - Sept 8th - 7.30pm ~ 11pm
Our 2018 Colchester Highland Games & Gathering again had a Ceilidh Dance Party which was a huge success.
If you are interested in joining us for some fun dance lessons prior to this please contact us HERE
As part of the Colchester Highland Games & Gathering in 2019 we will be attempting to break the
Guinness World Record
for the most people dancing a 'Strip the Willow' Ceilidh Dance.
For your chance to participate in this record breaking attempt come along to our classes or contact us HERE for more information.