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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Scots both sides of the Atlantic are hoping for the return of a much-missed Highland games season in 2021. If they can’t go ahead, many big festival and event organisers have digital back-up plans up their sleeves
SCOTLAND
17-20 June 2021 ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOW What? Though ticket numbers will be restricted due to socialdistancing measures, in its 180th year The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland is determined to celebrate the best in food, farming and rural life. If changes to government restrictions allow, there will be the opportunity to ‘scale up’. Where? Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Edinburgh. royalhighlandshow.org 2 July-12 September 2021 ARBROATH 2020+1 FESTIVAL What? Not to be defeated when celebratory events for the 700th anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath were cancelled, this year the festival returns with an adapted programme. From a music performance in a fish market to an open-air promenade production on the beach, Arbroath’s community are coming together to put their town’s historic importance centre stage this summer. Where? Check the website for dates of individual events, though many of the installations are in place all summer (and into 2022) if you are visiting Arbroath, in Angus, at another time. arbroathfestival.com 16-25 July 2021 EDINBURGH JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL What? The Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival is hosted at some of the very best venues throughout
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Arbroath 2020+1 Festival launch
Edinburgh from grand concert halls to hip jazz clubs. Tickets are currently on sale for two events (Jools Holland and Curtis Stigers) to be held at the Festival Theatre. Where? Edinburgh; however the festival is currently planning for all eventualities and may incorporate both virtual and in-person events. edinburghjazzfestival.com 8 August 2021 BRIDGE OF ALLAN HIGHLAND GAMES What? The games field nestles between Stirling Castle, the beautiful Ochil Hills and the National Wallace Monument,
made famous by the blockbuster movie, Braveheart. This makes it one of Scotland’s most popular, usually attracting crowds of between 8,000 and 10,000 people each year. A decision on whether the games will go ahead will be made mid-April. Where? Strathallan Games Park, Bridge of Allan, Stirling FK9 4QY bofagames.com 12 August 2021 BALLATER HIGHLAND GAMES What? Currently government guidelines prohibit large gatherings or events, but if restrictions ease as forecast, the
Ballater Highland Games – held here since 1864 - will go ahead this summer. Where? Monaltrie Park, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, AB35 5QW ballaterhighlandgames.com 6-28 August 2021 THE ROYAL EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO What? This spectacular event will be back with a bang in 2021, celebrating music, dance and military pageantry. Tickets are available now, but as social distancing measures will be in place, there will be reduced capacity – be quick!
