July's Forres Highland Games is inviting competitors and the organisers are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day
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THE countdown to the Forres Highland Games is on – with a number of ways to get involved.
It takes place in Grant Park on July 8 and, celebrating its 95th anniversary, will attract participants and thousands of spectators from all over the world.
The event is organised by volunteers including secretary Mike Scott who has been involved for over 60 years.
He said: “We are gearing up for another great day. It will have all the excitement of a traditional Highland games, including track and field events, the 10K road race, Highland dancing, piping and of course the field events such as tossing the caber and the hammer throw. But a new addition will be a solo drumming competition being brought to the games by trustee Liam Scott, a drummer with Forres and District Pipe Band. We try to bring something new every year and this new addition will bring in more spectators.”
Tickets are on sale online but there will be opportunity for spectators to pitch up on the day too.
For those wanting to take part in any events, online booking forms are all accessible at www.forreshighlandgames.com.
The games committee is appealing for more people to get involved.
“The games are historic,” explained Mike, “but in order to ensure they continue we need new folk to lend a hand on the day and help make key decisions throughout the year about how the games can move forward - retaining tradition but also remaining relevant for future generations.”
The games offer opportunities for attendees to enjoy trade stalls. So far this year, over 40 stallholders, from across the region, have applied to promote their products and produce at Grant Park.
Kevin Skivington manages the stalls.
He said: “We have stallholders who come every year but each year we are getting new crafters and producers who want to be at the games. There have been many pop-up businesses over the last few years - Forres Highland Games is an ideal place to showcase what the area has to offer.”
Last year, the games team launched a new sponsorship pack with opportunities from as little as £70.
“Last year we introduced banner sponsors,” explained Mike. “With so many people attending, it’s a great way to get your business name out there. We are very much looking forward to working with the people of the town, sponsors, competitors and visitors to build on the success of the last 95 years.”
