ScotsFestival International Highland Games XXII Set to Rock Yer Kilt with Kick Off Concert Feb. 13
Experience Scottish History with Highland Athletics & Dancing, Authentic Cuisine and Entertainment
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Burns Supper. Feb 14
LONG BEACH, Calif., (January 21, 2015) – The Queen Mary welcomes back the celebration of true Scottish heritage with the annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXII February 14-15. The festival will kick off with the Rock Yer Kilt concert on February 13 followed by a full weekend of rich Scottish culture highlighted through authentic activities, cuisine, athletics, dancing and entertainment.
The Rock Yer Kilt concert welcomes the best Scottish, Gaelic and Celtic bands this side of the pond performing at the official kick off party for Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival. Hosted by world-class bagpiper, singer songwriter and storyteller, Colin Armstrong, Rock Yer Kilt will present live music from the likes of Wicked Tinkers, Highland Way, Brick Top Blaggers and Dublin Public. The evening will honor Scotland’s favorite son and beloved poet and lyricist, Robert Burns. This special “Burns Night” will tilt yer kilt with trivia and recital contests with prizes, pub games, traditional Scottish fare and Scotch Whisky tasting sessions.
The celebration of Robert Burns will continue on the evening of February 14 with the traditional Burns Supper. Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Scotland’s best-loved bard with classic Scottish fare including haggis, whisky and fine Scottish music and dancing. Hosted by the formidable John Hannah, the supper experience includes a complimentary cocktail, the piping of the haggis, a traditional four-course dinner and all the Scottish entertainment imaginable.
Official ScotsFestival Opening Ceremonies begin the morning of February 14 with the traditional Grand Parade of Clans & Bands with an Address to the Haggis. February 14-15 from 9am – 6pm daily, festivities include Border Collie sheep-herding, performances by the Scots Greys Calvary, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Celtic Harp & Wren Iniquity Ensemble, The Scottish Fiddlers of Los Angeles, Bad Haggis, Sligo Rags and historic re-enactments in ode to the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy.
ScotsFestival honors nearly seventy Scottish clans & vendors throughout the festival weekend. The Scottish Highland Games were developed by ancient warriors to test strength, skill and technique. Experience these traditional style competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing and Highland athletics.
The Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival is proud to host the World Champion Scottish Highland Dancer, Kaylee Finnegan and many internationally acclaimed athletes competing for titles in stones, hammer throw, weights for distance, weight over bar, sheaf and the famed caber toss.
Scotch Whisky tasting sessions with aged malt experts and craft beer samplings are available for adult ScotsFestival guests while the wee Scots can bear witness to Queen Mary’s coronation, knighting ceremonies and even take part in the Wee Highland games.
Visit http://queenmary.com/events/scotsfestival/ for more details and to purchase advanced tickets to experience all of the Scottish festivities and celebrations.
Rock Yer Kilt Kick-Off Concert
Feb. 13, 7pm – 12am
Tickets: $15
Valentine’s Day Burns Supper
Feb. 14, 7pm
Tickets: $89
ScotsFestival
Feb. 14-15, 9am – 6pm
Tickets: $9 online for ages 4-11 and $18 online for guests 12 and over. VIP tickets, two-day festival passes and hotel packages available.
