The Queen Mary presents the annual ScotsFestival & International Highland Games XXI! Guests will catch a glimpse of Scotland’s rich culture by watching world champions compete for reigning titles, or testing their own might and skill during novice demonstrations and contests.
Eighty-three years ago, in a small seaside town in Scotland called Clydebank, construction began on the RMS Queen Mary. Exemplifying the fine craftsmanship of Scotland, the Queen Mary’s Scottish legacy is undeniable. The ship’s glorious heritage is celebrated annually with a two-day festival honoring her Scottish roots.
The Queen Mary’s ScotsFestival showcases nearly fifty Scottish clans and vendors amidst a weekend of spirited professional and amateur competitions in piping, drumming, massed bands, darts, Highland dancing, and athletics. Scottish Highland Games, a pre-cursor to the Olympic Games, were designed to test the strength, skill and technique of ancient warriors by face offs in stones, hammer throw, weights for distance, weight over bar, sheaf and the famed caber toss.
Weekend festivities kick off with a Grand Parade and Address to the Haggis and include Border Collie sheep-herding, firing demonstrations, and historic re-enactments daily. Adult guests can partake in whisky tasting sessions with aged malt experts, and craft beer samplings while the wee laddies and lassies bear witness to Queen Mary’s coronation, knighting ceremonies, and even take part in wee Highland games. Saturday night’s “Rock YerKilt” concert features the best Scottish Rock & Celtic bands around.
“The annual ScotsFestival and Highland Games is a truly unique event that pays homage to the Queen Mary’s storied history,” commented Steve Sheldon, Director of Entertainment Events at Queen Mary. “It gives visitors a chance to experience Scotland’s finest right here in Long Beach.”
About the Queen Mary
Located in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include the award-winning Sir Winston’s and Chelsea Chowder House & Bar as well as a weekly Champagne Sunday Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum and Glory Days tour, guests of all ages love the Ghosts and Legends show, and the ship is currently featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit and Tea Room. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 14 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square-foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 346 staterooms including nine full suites.
WHAT: ScotsFestival And International Highland Games XXI
WHEN: February 15 and 16, 2014 | 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
WHERE: The Queen Mary | 1126 Queens Highway | Long Beach, CA 90802
DETAILS:
- Tickets: $8 online ($12 at the door) for guests age 4-11 and $18 online ($22 at the door) for guests age 12+
CONTACT INFO: (800) 437-2934
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Twitter | Yelp
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