Clans gather for 155th Victoria Highland Games

Historic European Martial Arts and Agility Dog are the two newest tournaments to join the 155th Victoria Highland Games Festival, making it one of the oldest, and the largest, cultural festivals in North America, Saturday to Monday at Topaz Park.

Although the Highland Games is held this weekend, events have been taking place over the past week to add up to a 10-day celebration of Scottish and Celtic arts, music and sport, including last weekend's Tartan Parade through downtown Victoria.

Up to 25,000 people are expected to attend the three-day Games, which include the sight of heels kicking up in demonstrations of Highland and Irish dancing, and the sound of piping and drumming by massed bands.

The Canadian Invitational Drum Major Challenge, the Simon Fraser University Grade 1 Pipeband and the Scottish Highland Dance and Irish Dance Feis are not to be missed.

Athletes will show their strength and skills in the World Heavy Events Championship, with putting the stone, the sheaf toss, throwing the hammer and tossing the caber. Competitors will be judged on their ability to throw weights for distance and height.

New this year is the International Historic European Martial Arts Blade and Stick Fighting Tournament, with 71 competitors from all over North America. The tournament takes place Saturday and Sunday, and on Monday the public will be invited to don protective gear and try out the growing sport.

The Agility Dog tournament, with dogs of all sizes, is back due to popular demand. Organizers have hinted that the dogs may stage an impromptu parade, with the four-legged participants wearing kilts. If a parade takes place, it will be led by a piper, of course.

The event will feature a children’s entertainment area with miniature heavy events, sack races and a 100-yard dash.

And with the royal wedding on everybody’s mind, this year’s festival will feature a fascinator competition.

Festival-goers can search for their roots in the old country at Scottish clan and genealogy booths. This year, there will be wi-fi access to records in Scotland in real time. If you have an address, researchers can look it up and tell you who lived in the house at what time — and who your neighbours were.

A Clan Torchlight Ceremony starts at 8 p.m. Saturday on the steps of the legislature. The 20 gathered clans will collectively form a Scottish Saltire (which represents the flag of Scotland), with a pipe band delivering a short performance.

Single-day admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and youth (13 to 18) and free for children under 12. Three-day passes are also available. Cash only at gates. No pets are allowed.

The event runs from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Topaz Park (corner of Topaz Avenue and Blanshard Street).

Limited parking is available at S.J. Willis School, Topaz Park and on the street. Disabled parking is at a lot outside the Finlayson Street entrance.

For more information, go to victoriahighlandgames.com.