New Website

You may have noticed that things are looking a little different this year. We are launching our brand new website on March 1. For now, keep abreast of all the news by liking our Facebook page and checking back here for updates.

2012 Date Announced!

Welcoming the full Pan-Celtic community and changing things up a bit in 2011 proved successful and a whole lot of fun, so we are ready to do it all again Oct 6, 2012 at Rockahock Campground in New Kent County Virginia. The Virginia Celtic Gathering and Highland Games 2012 is now in full planning mode.

Admission Changes

Since the wee ones are our future, we are inviting all children 12 and under to be our guests this year, and tickets for their older brothers and sisters (ages 13-17) will be available at a nominal fee. All active duty military will be our guests as well, and DOD staff and their dependents will be able to buy discounted tickets at their local MWR.

We are extending an invitation to celebrate the Celtic culture and heritage to all who are Celtic curious.

Entertainment

Our entertainment lineup is currently in the works and we are planning to bring in some high-powered bands, traditionalists, dancers, and a bit of the wit and wisdom for the craic. Stay tuned for the final selections.

Hands on activities for the entire family are very popular at the festival and include workshops, the session tent, the tug of war, haggis hurl, and children’s heavy athletics. Consider bringing your squeeze box for the session or signing your group up for a chance to be the festival tug of war champions!

As we prepare to celebrate the 35th year of the festival, we looked back on the highlights over the years and realized Highland Dance is the one constant throughout the years. In that light, we are hoping to feature and fete the dancers from past competitions (please contact Dawn Kincaid).

Competitions are gearing up with Highland Heavy Athletics, Highland Dance, and the National Scottish Fiddling Championship. Competitions are based on funding; if you want to see the full range of games back on the field please consider sponsoring the festival, becoming a member of the festival, or joining the Friends of the Festival supporters group. Contact us if you are interested in sponsoring the Highland Games and a representative will get in touch with you.

Tim McLeod, the festival piper, returns to ensure the Scots have a grand day of pipes, drums, pageantry, and more. The Clan and Society letters and packages are being developed and will be out in the next month.

Vendors

As Ireland, Scotland, and Wales continue to grow with music, vendors, and more, we continue to seek representatives and vendors from all eight Celtic Nations for the expanding Celtic Heritage Village. Please contact us if you are interested in participating.

Slán