Demand for Ticket Sales a Welcome Sign for Stirling Highland Games
Encouraging news as Grandstand tickets for the Stirling Highland Games are being snapped up by overseas visitors coming to Scotland.
Article Source: Stirling Highland Games
Last Updated: 25 July 2022 15:50
It has been 3 years since the Stirling Highland Games event attracted visitors from around the world to the city, so it’s encouraging to hear their new Grandstand tickets are being snapped up by overseas visitors coming to Scotland.
There is no question that the Stirling Highland Games organisers are feeling the pinch just like all the other official highland games in Scotland. It’s been a tough 3 years for all small events providers, not just having to deal with the pandemic but now having to navigate their way through securing sponsorship as well as dealing with the massive hikes in event supply chain costs.
With so much at stake this year for these important sporting cultural events, Stirling’s President Matt McGrandles explains why.
“It’s a real balancing act just now as we bring the event back to life this year. We are hugely appreciative to our funders that are supporting the event as without them we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver it. Add in the benefits that businesses in Stirling will start to see again from the additional spend from visitors attending and it’s a win win. It’s encouraging to see that over 90% of the new Grandstand tickets being bought are by visitors from overseas and I expect these to sell out before the end of the month.”
Stirling has managed to hold onto its faithful supporters including Specsavers Stirling and Active Stirling but the support from EventScotland is allowing it to add additionality with grandstand seating, encouraging more opportunities for the organisers to attract a different demographic.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events, said: “EventScotland is delighted to support the Stirling Highland Games through our National Events Programme to facilitate their grandstand seating for 2022. Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and it is most encouraging to see international visitors snapped up tickets for such a uniquely Scottish event.”
Back in 2019 when the event attracted 5500 visitors, almost 50% of the tickets were snapped up by people from the US, Canada and across Europe including Germany and France. The event offered a full day and evening experience however there will be no live music in the evening this year so although the organisers have had to tweak the schedule, the great experience offered to visitors during the day remains a key priority.
If you manage to secure a ticket then you can expect a full day of highland games competitions including highland dancing, heavyweights, track and field as well as the new para-athlete competition and The Bruce Challenge which is exclusive to Stirling.
There is a new Traders Village Marquee planned with up to 30 arts, crafts, food and drink producers all showcasing their products under canvas, and great to shelter in if it rains.
Stirling is one of Scotland’s best known historical cities and visitors to the city will help the tourism sector with a much-needed economic boost. As Stirling’s leading outdoor cultural sporting event, there is so much available for visitors to enjoy throughout the weekend.
Neil Christison, VisitScotland Regional Director, said: “The Stirling Highland Games is always a highlight of the local events calendar, attracting visitors from near and far. As well as a host of exciting sports, visitors can also sample the very best local food and drink, while at the same time supporting the strong charity ethos which sits at the heart of this exciting event.
Highland Games are an important part of the rich tapestry of Scotland’s cultural identity and are a popular draw for international visitors. More than that, they provide a welcome boost to local economies, with accommodation providers, shops, restaurants and local businesses all benefiting.
“Tourism is an important part of the Forth Valley economy. Major events like this help support the industry’s recovery from the pandemic supporting local jobs, businesses and communities as part of a wider ripple effect.”
Matt also added, “Highland games across Scotland really need their local’s support. Ticket prices are usually for a whole day of entertainment, making these events some of the most affordable attractions. I hope people can get behind their local games and buy a ticket. It will greatly boost the morale of what is sometimes a thankless job.”
Stirling Highland Games is a member of the Royal Scottish Highland Games Association and since 2014 has been delivered on the 3rd weekend of August as part of Scotland’s highland games schedule. This year’s date is Saturday 20th August with gates opening at 10:30 and the final pipe band performance closing the event off just before 17:00.
Tickets can be bought online in advance via the event website: www.stirlinghighlandgames.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
Special artwork unveiled to celebrate the launch of Stirling 900
A brand new artwork that celebrates Stirling’s people and its history will be officially unveiled in the city centre today for the launch of Stirling’s 900th anniversary celebrations.
READ MORE
Van Gogh experience announces Scottish premiere dates
A spectacular multimedia show celebrating Vincent van Gogh's life and stunning artworks is coming to Glasgow this summer!
READ MORE
A Big Map for the Big Yin! Interactive map launched to celebrate Billy Connolly
National Theatre of Scotland launches a new interactive map for Scotland to demonstrate its love for the Big Yin, inviting people to share their own Billy Connolly memories.
READ MORE
Cast announced for Scottish tour of Hen Night Horror
Touring Scotland from June, the cast is announced for Hen Night Horror, an original musical comedy that promises to put the willies right up ye!
READ MORE
The Best Home Bar competition from Aldi Scotland returns for 2024
Aldi Scotland's popular 'Best Home Bar' competition has returned for another year, with a year's supply of beer up for grabs!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns for a delicious double helping
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns to the town this weekend for a two-day feastival with plenty for everyone to sample and enjoy.
READ MORE
Nationwide campaign encourages adults in Scotland to take the plunge
With a staggering 14 million adults in the UK unable to swim, the team behind The Learn to Swim National Framework has launched a new campaign to encourage adults in Scotland to learn the life skill.
READ MORE
Stirling Highland Games and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum joined forces to mark significant milestone
Stirling Highland Games and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum Forge Historic Partnership to Commemorate Stirling's 900th Anniversary.
READ MORE
Cornton Street Party Celebration to mark Changing Seasons
Stirling’s Remembering Together project is set to host a celebration of community, creativity and the changing seasons on Thursday 2nd May in the heart of Cornton.
READ MORE
Top tips for visiting the Scottish Homebuilding & Renovating Show
Now in its 30th year, the show is the go-to exhibition for any self-builders or renovators looking for practical tips, expert advice, or the chance to view 1000s of products.
READ MORE
Lights, camera, action, Delight as Stirling Studios announced
Stirling Council is thrilled to announce the creation of Stirling Studios, which will be among the biggest film studio campuses in Scotland.
READ MORE
Family Fun as BRICKLIVE Ocean arrives in Stirling
Families have been following a fascinating trail featuring life-size brick models of sea creatures around Stirling at the BRICKLIVE Ocean tour which runs until Sunday April 21st.
READ MORE
New Finds at Culloden Battlefield shed more light on intensity of battle
Latest investigations by National Trust for Scotland archaeologists at Culloden Battlefield have recovered a wide range of artefacts.
READ MORE
Kevin McKenzie Named Honorary Chieftain of the 2024 Stirling Highland Game
The Stirling Highland Games Committee is thrilled to announce that former Scotland International hooker Kevin McKenzie has been appointed as the Honorary Chieftain for the 2024 Games.
READ MORE
Teenager up for Song of the Year at The John Lennon Songwriter Contest
17 year old Brodie Brown from Stirling goes head-to-head for ‘Song of the Year’ at The John Lennon Songwriter Awards despite life-long physical and mental health battles.
READ MORE
Scottish Game Fair returns for its 35th year
The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair (SGF) is back for 2024, celebrating its 35-year anniversary at Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres unveils Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience
Dobbies, the UK's leading garden centre, is inviting plant enthusiasts and foodies alike to a brand new Afternoon Tea and Planting Experience at its stores nationwide.
READ MORE
POSTPONED: Springfest at Loch Lomond Shores
This year's Springfest, set to take place this weekend, has been postponed due to forecasted high winds.
READ MORE
Historic sites across Scotland get ready to reopen their doors
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced that over twenty sites across the country are set to reopen their doors to visitors this weekend.
READ MORE
Diabetes Scotland will host a virtual event for young people 11 to 25 living with type 1 diabetes
Join Diabetes Scotland for a virtual event about an exciting new programme supporting children and young people 11 - 25 living with type 1 diabetes - Together Type 1.
READ MORE
Iconic Noughties stars make cheeky comeback to launch limited edition IRN BRU flavours
Noughties stars The Cheeky Girls, Gareth Gates and S Club 7's Bradley McIntosh have taken a sip back in time to mark the release of IRN-BRU's new 2000s-inspired flavours!
READ MORE
Enjoy an Eggcellent Easter Break with Macdonald Hotels
Macdonald Hotels, one of the UK’s most popular independent hotel groups, invites you to join them for an Easter break to remember.
READ MORE
Clydesdale Horses Gather to celebrate Kelpies Sculptures Effect a decade on
A mass gathering of heavy horses assembled at the home of Scotland’s iconic Kelpies structures today (Tuesday, March 26) in celebration of the forthcoming 10th anniversary.
READ MORE
Free activities this Easter at Dobbies
Dobbies is welcoming families along to 68 of its stores this Easter to enjoy an array of free activities, including its Little Seedlings Club workshop and Easter Holiday sessions.
READ MORE
Deadline looms for 30th Scottish Thistle Awards public nominations
The search is on to find the best of the best in Scottish tourism as the Scottish Thistles Awards returns.
READ MORE
Springfest is back this April... with all things foodie as well as a host of entertainment and things to do!
This year's FREE Springfest is playing host to two great Scottish chefs – Niall Murray and Rohan Wadke, who will inspire visitors with their FREE cooking demonstrations.
READ MORE
Fun family favourites leap into action on the big screen this Easter break at Vue
A host of brand-new family favourites are landing at Vue this Easter, meaning there are plenty of opportunities to spend quality family time at the big screen during the holidays.
READ MORE
Winners revealed at Go Forth Stirling 2024 Business Awards
A range of Stirling’s outstanding independent business owners were rewarded with trophies last night at the city’s annual Business Awards.
READ MORE
A taste of what is to come at Paisley Food and Drink Festival
Spring is in the air and with it comes the return of one of Scotland's largest outdoor food and drink festivals to Paisley!
READ MORE
National Theatre of Scotland announce full cast and creative team for Maggie & Me
Full cast and creatives announced for the tour of Maggie & Me, the first stage adaptation of Damian Barr's award-winning memoir touring UK in May and June!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links