Winnipeg Scottish Festival
Winnipeg Scottish Festival
The Heather Belle Ladies Pipe Band established the Winnipeg Scottish Festival in 1994. The Band's commitment to the Scottish community in Winnipeg and Manitoba prompted the Band to provide a winter venue for piping and drumming competition and adjudication, which had not been available to these musicians for many years.
Spearheaded by the (then) Band Pipe Sargent Elaine Douglas, and assisted by a handful of dedicated and hard-working Band members, the event grew from a small festival held in a local school to a festival attracting bands from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and the northern states: Addition of Highland dancing competition, hosted by ScotDance Manitoba enhanced the event. World-renowned judges came to adjudicate and instruct: Adjudicators and clinicians from the world champion Simon Fraser University Pipe Band., the 78th Highlanders, to name but a few. The Festival took place each year during the third weekend of February, providing an opportunity for individuals and bands to meet, compete and prepare for the summer competitions across Canada and the United States.
The Heather Belle team organized the yearly Winnipeg Scottish Festivals until 1998, at which time the Band relinquished the Festival to an independent organization which had been established to carry on what had become a major initiative. The Winnipeg Scottish Festival - now a separate (and incorporated) organization - is responsible for all aspects of the Festival.
Each year, the Festival is held in late February, at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Hundreds of pipers, drummers and dancers compete during Saturday, party at the Saturday night Ceildh, then participate in the Sunday workshops.
The Heather Belle Ladies Pipe Band is proud of its role in the establishment of the Winnipeg Scottish Festival, and wishes the new owners every success in the future. For further information on the festival or call Elaine Douglas 204-224-2673, or e-mail WSF@shaw.ca