Highland dancers perform in front of the audience and judges Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A competitor in the women’s weight for distance winds up for her throw Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A competitor in the men’s throwing the hammer event winds up for his throw Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Two competitors in the women’s weight for distance event embrace after a throw Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A group attends a whisky tasting lesson Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A pipe band performs in front of judges and crowds Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Highland dancers perform in front of the audience and judges Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A competitor in the women’s weight for distance winds up for her throw Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A drum major practices their mace skills Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Hundreds of people filled Topaz Park Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
Among the activities available outside of sport and musical competition at the 160th Victoria Highland Games was a Celtic history tent showcasing Scottish roots in the Greater Victoria region. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)
A pipe band performs marches toward the performance square Saturday, May 20, during the 160th Victoria Highland Games in Topaz Park. (Justin Samanski-Langille/News Staff)Topaz Park was alive with the sounds of pipes and drums once again as the Victoria Highland Games and Celtic Festival brought the spectacle of sport and music to town for the 160th year.
The first of two days for the event offered up pro and amateur heavy events in both men’s and women’s categories, massed bands, solo piping and drumming competition, and highland dance competitions.
Visitors not taking in the competition had plenty to keep them busy too, with a wide selection of food trucks, cultural booths, vendors, and even whisky and wine tasting schools.
It’s no wonder Victoria Highland Games Association president Jim Maxwell was all smiles during a brief pause between his organizing duties.
“It’s going great. Big crowds, the weather is fabulous, and we have world-class entertainment,” said Maxwell. “I think people are looking for something to do, and the weather just brings them here to Topaz Park.”
Maxwell said organizers were hoping as always for a larger turnout than the previous edition – which was the first full-scale event since the pandemic was declared – and he said if Saturday is anything to go by, they have achieved that goal.
Among the highlights visitors can look forward to this year, Maxwell said performances all weekend by the United States Marine Corps 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band from San Diego, Calif. is well worth catching during Saturday’s sunset ceremony starting at 7 p.m., and during their performance from 4:30 to 4:50 p.m. Sunday.
“They are world-class. I heard them practicing yesterday and they are just over the top.”
The games run until 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Kids under 12 get in free, while youth 13 to 18 tickets are $15, adults $20, and seniors over 65 $15.
READ MORE: Highland Games bring spectacles of sport and music to Victoria
@JSamanski
justin.samanski-langille@goldstreamgazette.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
FestivalGreater Victoria
