Quick Facts:
- When: Usually held on the first Saturday in July
- Where: Grant Park, Forres, Moray
- What to Bring: A camping chair or picnic rug, suncream, a rain jacket (this is Scotland, after all), a flask or water bottle, and your best picnic spread — or a tenner for some tasty local street food.
- Buy tickets: In advance online or at the gate on the day
Every summer, the quiet Highland town of Forres bursts into life as it hosts one of the friendliest and most vibrant events on the calendar: the Forres Highland Games. Held in the heart of Grant Park, with views across the Moray countryside and the nearby woodlands, it’s a day where tradition, sport, community, and pure fun come together.
A Celebration of Heritage
The Highland Games are a deep-rooted part of Scottish culture, and Forres is proud to continue the tradition. Expect all the classic elements — the caber toss, hammer throw, shot put, and tug o’ war. Alongside some light-hearted and distinctly local additions. One of the quirkiest and most beloved features of the Forres Games is the shopping bike race — yes, really! Competitors tear around the track on rickety old shopping bikes, baskets and all, in a madcap dash that has the crowd roaring with laughter.
Athletics fans won’t be disappointed either. The programme includes the high jump, track sprints, and a 10k road race that winds through the surrounding streets and countryside. Young athletes also get their chance to shine in the junior races, and there’s plenty of encouragement from the sidelines.
Pipes, Dance, and the Heartbeat of the Highlands
Throughout the day, the field echoes with the stirring sound of massed pipe bands. Whether it’s a lone piper warming up or the full ensemble marching in synchrony, the music sets the rhythm of the day. It reminds everyone of the proud traditions behind the spectacle.
Scottish country dancing brings splashes of colour and joy to the park. Local dance schools and performers take to the stage to showcase graceful reels and lively jigs. Their energy is infectious.
Family Fun and Local Flavour
The Forres Games aren’t just for athletes and pipers. It’s a full family day out with something for everyone. A small area of The Shows (what we call the funfair in Scotland) brings classic rides and squeals from younger visitors.
Surrounding the main arena is a wide circle of around 50 local stalls. Showcasing everything from harris tweed and carved woodwork to homemade honey, local artwork, soaps, and jams. Local charities and community groups also set up fundraising stalls. Thanks to the town’s strong military links, you’ll often find air cadets and other uniformed groups proudly taking part.
There’s food to be had, too — burgers, ice cream, artisan coffees, and a few Highland favourites. Or you can do as many locals do: pack a hearty picnic, roll out a blanket, and enjoy lunch in the sunshine. The pipes and cheers provide the background music.
A Highland Gathering Like No Other
Why You’ll Love the Forres Highland Games (and What to Expect)
What makes Forres so special is its warmth. There’s a community feel to this event that’s hard to beat. You’ll find yourself chatting to strangers (visiting Australian family for me. Clapping for participants you’ve never met, and maybe even cheering on a pensioner pedalling furiously on a shopping bike.
The backdrop of Grant Park, the energy of the events, and the steady swirl of tartan, music, and good humour all combine to create a uniquely Scottish summer’s day out. Whether you come for the competition, the crafts, or just to soak in the atmosphere, the Forres Highland Games offer a joyful window into Highland life and heritage.
So, pack your rug, your sunscreen, and your raincoat — and come discover the charm of friendly Forres.
Why You’ll Love the Forres Highland Games (and What to Expect)
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