Thousands flock to Turakina Highland Games

DANCING QUEENS: Looking forward to the 151st Turakina Highland Games are (clockwise from front) Emma Wright, 4, Lucy McIntyre, 9, Shania Graham, 16, and Aleesha Managh, 9.PHOTOS/BEVAN CONLEY 300115WCBRCHIG02

A little piece of Scotland comes to Turakina today, for the annual Turakina Highland Games.

It's the 151st time the Games have been held there. They began in 1864 as a way for the local Scottish settlers to keep the culture of their homeland alive.

Debbie Benton from the Turakina Caledonian Society said up to 2000 people could be expected.

There was a variety of events, from pipe bands and highland dancing competitions, to field games, a clan march and, in the evening, a ceilidh, or party.

One of the feature events in the field games is tossing the caber, with particular interest in the very large caber event.

"It's about 6m long - as tall as a telephone pole. No one has yet been able to throw it, but there's a $100 prize for the first person that can," Mrs Benton said.

She said representatives from 18 clans were expected at the Games, with Clan Keith this year organising the clan march.

"This year we have 12 pipe bands coming along, including bands from Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Rotorua. It's great to see a lot of younger bands coming through now."

Mrs Benton said the Games were a real family affair, with lots of families and children attending.

- The 151st Turakina Highland Games begin at 8.30am today at the Turakina Domain, Cameron Road, Turakina.