Bagpipes and highland dancers showcase Celtic culture at Spruce Meadows

Celtic culture was showcased Saturday at Spruce Meadows.

Bagpipes and highland dancers took over Spruce Meadows this weekend in a celebration of Celtic culture.

One of the highlights was the pipe band tattoo and mass fling.

The event featured historical demonstrations and an opportunity for Calgarians to learn more about Celtic history and genealogy through clan exhibits.

The festival also marked an important step toward the return of the Calgary Games in 2027.

“The Calgary Highland Games has been going since 1913. We’ve had a few down years but it’s been on the go since 1913,” said Celtic Fest coordinator Linda Aberdeen. “We’re bringing it back.”

“And we can only do that if people come up and volunteer for us. We need our volunteers,” Aberdeen added.

The festival was held in conjunction with Spruce Meadows’ North American tournament, so organizers were hoping for about 5,000 people to visit their festival over the course of the weekend.

With files from CTV News’ Tommy Osborne