HIGHLAND GAMES

pipe bands

The Hororātā Highland Games is the first competitive Pipe Band competition of the season. It is a great social event with bands traveling from all over the South Island to compete.

Non-competitive bands are welcome on the day, please email games@hororata.org.nz to discuss options.

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Competitions

All competitors will receive a competitors pass to the event. Remember to purchase your discounted supporters tickets!

Full Band set competition

MSR and Medley –Grades 1–4 and Juvenile

  • Sets will comprise a 2/4 march, strathspey and reel played in that order, and introduced by two three, or one five, beat roll.
  • (a) For Grades 1 and 2 each tune must be of at least four parts.
  • (b) For Grades 3, 4A & 4B each tune must be a minimum of two parts in March, Strathspey, and Reel.

Note: There will be no penalty for not reaching the minimum number of pipers for Medley’s.

The Band of the Day

Will be judged by an independent panel on the following criteria:

  • Appearance

  • Choice of music

  • Performance

  • Sound ensemble

This can be awarded to any grade band and bands will be automatically entered in this competition.

Mace Flourishing

If you are interested in competing in a Mace Flourishing competition please email by the 18th October, if there is enough interest the committee will consider running this competition.

Bagpipe Tune Writing Competition

The Hororata Community Trust is calling for original bagpipe tune compositions to celebrate and honour our 2025 Hororata Highland Games Chieftain – Michael Fraser Milne of Whisky Galore and all past Chieftains. For over a decade, Michael has brought the Hororata Whisky to life, working with Adelphi Distillery and partners in Scotland creating a range unique whiskies that fuels our festival and supports our community.

Entries must be emailed to games@hororata.org.nz by 5pm 22nd September 2025.

The Band competitions will follow the solos.  There will be a Massed Band/ March Past in conjunction with the Welcoming Ceremony, so bands all need to be at the Grounds at approximately 10.45am when Solos finish. We may run the Juvenile  or another Grade prior to Massed Bands/ March Past (this may change depending on entries and timing).

  • All bands are expected to take part in Massed Bands/ March Past for the Welcoming Ceremony at approximately 12 pm. This is an amazing way to celebrate the bands at the event in front of a large crowd. The bands will exit the arena once they have played so not expected to stand for the whole ceremony.
  • There will be no Massed Bands or March Past at the end of the day.
  • Only those bands that take part in the Massed Bands/March Past will be eligible for the competition prize money.
  • Bands Tunes for Massed Bands/ March Past will be Green Hills, Battle O’er,  Amazing Grace and Scotland the Brave to exit the grounds.
  • Competitions will be run under rules based on RNZPBA Assn rules but may not be enforced.
  • The Band Presentation will be in the Circle at the conclusion of the Band Competitions.
  • All band members will be issued wristbands as tickets, these must be worn to gain admittance. There will be a competitor entry gate open from 8.00 am–11.00 am which is closer to the competition area. Supporters accessing this gate must have a ticket as there will be no ticket sales at this entry point.

Entries to the Hororata Highland Games on the 8th of November 2025 open 1st September and close 20th November

All competitors will be issued a competitor pass and will need these to enter the event, regardless of age.

Grade 1 – 4

$150.00

Juvenile

$50.00

Prizes Full Band Set Juvenile Band of the Day
1st $200 per grade Certificate Hororata Highland Games Trophy

Entry Dates

  • Open 1st September

  • Close 24th October 2025

no gate sales on the day, buy tickets online