Turakina Highland Games on January 27 celebrate Scottish culture

Young dancers do a massed Highland Fling at last year's Turakina Highland Games. PHOTO/FILE

The Turakina Highland Games are 154 years old, but they show no signs of slowing down.

Games' spokeswoman Debbie Benton said up to 1500 people were expected at the event, which is an annual celebration of Scottish culture. The games will be held in Turakina on January 27.

Cultural events include Scottish dancers, piping and drumming, and a pipe band competition.

"We have 15 pipe bands competing including six youth bands, which is great to see. We have bands coming from as far away as Hamilton, Rotorua and Wellington," Ms Benton said.

Among the pipe bands are the New Zealand Police Pipe Band and Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band, both selected to compete at the World Pipe Band competition in Glasgow in August.

Ms Benton said there would also be field events such as caber tossing, tug o' war and the Ben Nevis run.

"Anyone can enter these events at any age - it's all about giving it a go."

There will be plenty of stalls selling food and drink, Scottish goods and clan tartans.

The official events will be followed by prizegiving, a barbecue and music.

WHAT: 154th Turakina Highland Games
WHEN: Gates open 8am on Saturday, first event 8.30am
WHERE: Turakina Domain, Turakina (signposted from SH3)
COST: Entry $10 per person, children under 15 free. Parking is free.