Group plans return of Highland Games

PLANNING for a Geelong Highland Games and Celtic Festival is in full swing, with a small committee of people hopeful of holding the event in Bannockburn in February 2026.

Highland games are a unique form of entertainment combining athleticism, music and ancient Scottish culture.

They usually consist of a programme of track and field events, piping, dancing and heavy sports like tug-o-war, the hammer throw and tossing the caber.

Festival committee member Craig Monument said aspirations were high for a unique celebration of Scottish culture next year.

“We’ve been working closely with Golden Plains Shire Council who are very keen to host the games in Bannockburn.

“We’ve pulled together a committee and are basically getting all the important pieces set up to form a not-for-profit organisation and then we will be into raising funds to make it happen.

“The heavy events will be front and centre as well as pipe bands, dancers and some form of folk music tents.”

Mr Monument said an event of this nature had not been run in Geelong since 2019, but was in high demand.

“Wherever I go in Geelong, people are very interested as to when the Highland Games are coming back.

“The hope is to have a big celebration but we’ve got to walk before we run.

“We do have some good plans for getting this first one off the ground and then we will look to see how we can expand and make it more successful.”

For more information on the Geelong Highland Games and Celtic Festival at Bannockburn, email [email protected]