Dust off your tartan and tune up your bagpipes as the Hororata Highland Games return to Canterbury on Saturday, November 8, bringing with them the colour, music and energy of one of the South Island’s biggest community festivals.

Now in its 14th year, the event has grown from small grassroots gathering born out of post-earthquake recovery into a world-class celebration of Scottish culture, sport and community spirit.

Organised by the Hororata Community Trust, the Games now draw more than 10,000 visitors from across New Zealand and beyond.

“People are blown away when they come,” says Trust executive officer Cindy Driscoll. “They expect a small rural event, but it’s massive, world-class competitions, music, markets, and fun activities across the whole domain. It’s a full festival experience powered entirely by volunteers and local groups.”

Visitors can also explore wool demonstrations, spinning and shearing displays, and the “paddock-to-garment” story that reflects the region’s farming roots.

“We love showing our urban visitors where their wool jerseys start,” Driscoll says.

This year’s Games promise plenty of new highlights.

The Welcoming Ceremony will feature a stirring performance of Amazing Grace with 500 pipers and drummers joining in the Massed Bands march.

A new feature is the Spirit of Hororata Tune Writing Competition, a global call for pipers to compose an original piece reflecting the heart of the Games.

The winning tune, judged by international piping star Kyle Warren from Scotland, will be performed for the first time at the event.

“We’ll have a solo piper perform the winning tune as part of the ceremony,” Driscoll says. “It’s been written especially for us, a world-first moment for Hororata.”

The Oceania Heavyweight Championships return as a crowd favourite, with elite athletes from New Zealand and Australia competing in the caber toss, stone put and hammer throw. Olympian Lauren Bruce will take part for the first time.

“We’ve got a really strong women’s field this year,” Driscoll says. “It’s fantastic to see more women stepping up and showing their strength.”

Visitors can do more than just watch, with opportunities to try the caber toss, tug-of-war, vehicle pull, or even take a Highland dance lesson from professional dancers. “That’s what makes this event special,” says Driscoll. “Families and friends can jump in together. It’s about getting amongst it.”By Claire Inkson

More than 20 Scottish clans will gather in St Andrews Square, where visitors can connect with their heritage or even trace their family roots.

The domain will be alive with more than 130 market stalls showcasing crafts, local produce and Celtic-themed goods.

“We’re completely oversubscribed,” Driscoll says. “We’ve had to turn stallholders away. It rivals any big fair for quality.”

This year’s Chieftain, Michael Fraser Milne of Whisky Galore, embodies the Games’ spirit of connection and community.

The role of Chieftain dates back to when Scottish clans gathered to test their strength and skill under their leader’s watchful eye.

At Hororata, it’s more about celebrating community and shared heritage.

A proud Greendale local and lifelong whisky aficionado, Milne has supported the Games since their inception, bringing authentic Scottish spirit - literally - through his whisky collaboration.

“Michael and Whisky Galore have been part of the fabric of the Hororata Highland Games since day one,” Driscoll says. “His dedication and warmth make him the perfect ambassador.”

Born from the desire to rebuild after the earthquakes, the Games continue to funnel all proceeds back into community projects.

Nineteen local groups raise around $30,000 each year through their involvement, supporting schools, sports clubs and heritage initiatives.

The Trust is also working to restore the 1890 Hororata Hall, transforming it into a vibrant community hub for generations to come.

“If our sports clubs, schools and groups are thriving, then our community is thriving,” Driscoll says.

The Hororata Highland Games will be held at the Hororata Domain on Saturday, November 8. Tickets are $25 plus booking fee, under-16s are free.

Tickets must be purchased online at www.hororatahighlandgames.org.nz.

By Claire Inkson