The Great Sydney Highland Fair
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About
The Great Sydney Highland Fair Set to Launch in The Hawkesbury.
The Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new cultural event — The Great Sydney Highland Fair — to be held on the 31st October 2026 at the Hawkesbury Showground.
Designed as a vibrant celebration of all things Highland, this landmark event aims to bring together pipe bands, soloists, dancers, athletes, families and the wider community in what we hope will become an annual fixture on the NSW cultural calendar.
A Celebration of Tradition and Competition
At the heart of the Fair will be three major competitive highlights:
The Governor Macquarie Memorial Solo Bagpiping Contest
The New South Wales Pipe Band Association Inc. NSW State Pipe Band Championships
The New South Wales Pipe Band Association Inc. NSW State Quintette Championships
These competitions will showcase some of the finest pipers and drummers from across the state and beyond, competing at the highest levels while celebrating the enduring traditions of Scottish music and performance.
More Than Just a Contest
The Great Sydney Highland Fair is not simply a competition — it is a full-scale Highland celebration. Spectators can expect the stirring sound of massed pipes and drums, Highland dancers, and a true fairground atmosphere that reflects the spirit and colour of Scotland.
The Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band has long been committed to developing piping and drumming in New South Wales and providing opportunities for players at all levels. Being at the Hawkesbury Showground allows the event to be hosted in a venue capable of accommodating large crowds and creating a festival-style atmosphere.
Our vision is clear: to establish The Great Sydney Highland Fair as a signature annual event — one that celebrates Highland culture, promotes excellence in competition, and brings the community together in a uniquely Australian–Scottish celebration.
Further announcements regarding program details, performers and activities will be released in the coming weeks.
The Highlands are coming to the Hawkesbury.
Please note that the venue location has changed. Sorry for the late notice.
The Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band is proud to announce the launch of an exciting new cultural event — The Great Sydney Highland Fair — to be held on the 31st October 2026 at the Hawkesbury Showground.
Designed as a vibrant celebration of all things Highland, this landmark event aims to bring together pipe bands, soloists, dancers, athletes, families and the wider community in what we hope will become an annual fixture on the NSW cultural calendar.
A Celebration of Tradition and Competition
At the heart of the Fair will be three major competitive highlights:
The Governor Macquarie Memorial Solo Bagpiping Contest
The New South Wales Pipe Band Association Inc. NSW State Pipe Band Championships
The New South Wales Pipe Band Association Inc. NSW State Quintette Championships
These competitions will showcase some of the finest pipers and drummers from across the state and beyond, competing at the highest levels while celebrating the enduring traditions of Scottish music and performance.
More Than Just a Contest
The Great Sydney Highland Fair is not simply a competition — it is a full-scale Highland celebration. Spectators can expect the stirring sound of massed pipes and drums, Highland dancers, and a true fairground atmosphere that reflects the spirit and colour of Scotland.
The Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band has long been committed to developing piping and drumming in New South Wales and providing opportunities for players at all levels. Being at the Hawkesbury Showground allows the event to be hosted in a venue capable of accommodating large crowds and creating a festival-style atmosphere.
Our vision is clear: to establish The Great Sydney Highland Fair as a signature annual event — one that celebrates Highland culture, promotes excellence in competition, and brings the community together in a uniquely Australian–Scottish celebration.
Further announcements regarding program details, performers and activities will be released in the coming weeks.
The Highlands are coming to the Hawkesbury.
Please note that the venue location has changed. Sorry for the late notice.