This May long weekend, Topaz Park will come alive with tradition, athleticism and cultural pride as the 162nd Victoria Highland Games kicks off on May 17. While caber tosses and bagpipes fill the park, it's the poised and powerful Highland dancers who are set to steal the show.
“Highland dancing started as a test for the king’s guards — it demonstrated strength and agility,” says Laurie Carr-Hall, Traditional Media Chair for the Games. “It’s one of the most athletic dance forms out there. People forget it’s not just beautiful — it’s intense.”
That legacy continues in this year’s Highland dance competition, led by Dance Chair Megan McKenzie. Dancers of all ages will leap and spin in kilts to traditional music, showcasing iconic performances like the Sword Dance and Seann Triubhas. National dances, performed in tartan skirts, adding a graceful counterpoint.
“Highland dances take strength and stamina,” says Jim Maxwell, games organizer and President of the Victoria Highland Games Association. “The National dances are graceful, but still technically demanding.”
A crowd favourite is the Sailor’s Hornpipe, where dancers wear sailor uniforms and mimic shipboard life through arm movements like rope pulling, paired with high-speed kicks and jumps. “It’s one of the most high-energy dances — a dozen high kicks in a row,” says Maxwell. “Very impressive.”
Dancers compete outdoors to live piping, divided by age and experience — from five-year-old Primaries to elite Premiers. With over 140 competitors expected, the Highland dance stage will be one of the busiest and most dynamic of the Games.
“Judges look for turnout, poise, and elevation,” Maxwell explains. “Even the youngest dancers are held to high technical standards.”
Beyond the dance stage, the Games are packed with attractions. Nys Glen, a top-ranked pro athlete in the heavy events, will compete this year — a highlight for fans of traditional strength sports. Looking ahead, Victoria will host the World Women’s Heavy Events Championship in 2026.
For those seeking a deeper dive into Celtic culture, the Heritage Hub features workshops on Scottish country dancing, the history of the kilt, and discovering your family tartan. Live Scottish music adds to the immersive experience.
For the 19+ crowd, whisky and wine pairings offer a refined break. “The whisky workshops always sell out,” Carr-Hall notes. “They’re a must for anyone who wants to pair a good dram with the perfect bite.”
With day tickets starting at $20 and free admission for kids under 12, the Games remain a family-friendly favourite. Whether you're drawn by the music, muscle, or mesmerizing dance, the Victoria Highland Games promise a weekend to remember.
Tickets and workshop bookings are available at www.victoriahighlandgames.com. Tickets will also be sold at the gate.