HIGHLAND GAMES

Solo Piping & Drumming

Compete in one of the South Island’s vibrant Highland gatherings, where solo pipers and drummers take the stage at the Hororātā Highland Games.

The Hororātā Highland Games Solo Piping and Drumming competitions are conducted under the event’s own rules.
Click here to view competition rules

Entries close: 4pm, 23rd October

The order of events will be emailed to competitors following the closing date and published on this website.

All competitors will receive event entry passes.

Proudly supported by

Related Links

Ts & Cs

Contact

Competitions

Solo Piping

  • Grade A MSR (minimum 4 parts each tune)
  • Grade B MSR (minimum 4 parts each tune)
  • Grade C 2/4 March (minimum 4 parts)
  • Grade D 2/4 March (minimum 4 parts)
  • Novice (any age) Own choice March (minimum 2 parts)

Tenor, Bass and Snare Drumming

Drummers please ensure you have organised a piper for your solos. Don’t leave this until the day.

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

  • Novice Tenor Own choice March (minimum 4 parts)
  • Novice Bass Own choice March (minimum 4 parts)
  • Intermediate Tenor 2/4 or 6/8 March (minimum 4 parts)
  • Intermediate Bass 2/4 or 6/8 March (minimum 4 parts)
  • Open Tenor MSR (minimum 4 parts each tune)
  • Open Bass MSR (minimum 4 parts each tune)
  • Grade A Snare MSR (minimum 4 Parts each tune)
  • Grade B Snare MSR (minimum 4 Parts each tune)
  • Grade C Snare 2/4 March (minimum 4 parts)

  • Grade D Snare Own Choice March (min 4 parts)

  • Novice (any age) Snare Own Choice March (minimum 2 parts)

 

Solo Piping and Drumming competitions will start 8.30am. We have a record number of entries this year so it will be a full schedule.
  
The running order will be loaded 1st November
The Solos’ running order is NOT set in stone. Players are to be ready at the start of their grade and in the general area of their board (unless they are playing for Drummers, then just let the Marshall know).
If players are ready, they can go on the board at the discretion of the Marshalls.
Please collect your playing number from the Caravan. These will be available from 8.20am. They must be returned after playing.
The Piping Boards go out from the Circle opposite the Caravan down the fence line. Board 1 is closest to the Caravan. Drumming Boards are on the opposite side of the area, with Tenor/Bass being closest to the Caravan.
Any questions please contact Clare Fraser by email  clare.fraser@xtra.co.nz prior to the day or check with Caravan on the day.

Entries to the 14th Hororātā Highland Games 8th November 2025 are open and close 24th October

Competitors will receive entry tickets; supporters must purchase their tickets. At the time of entry, you can purchase one 35% discounted ticket.

Click here to buy tickets.

$7 per competition. Plus, there is a $3 administration fee and credit card fees.

The entry includes a ticket for the competitor.

Competitors will receive a complimentary ticket. Supporters need to purchase tickets. 

Prize Solo Piping Solo Drumming Tenor & Base
1st Grade A & B – $70
Grade C & D – $50
Novice – Medal		 Grade A & B – $70
Grade C & D – $50
Novice – Medal		 Open – $70
Intermediate – $50
Novice – Medal
2nd Grade A & B – $50
Grade C & D – $30
Novice – Medal		 Grade A & B – $50
Grade C & D – $30
Novice – Medal		 Open – $50
Intermediate – $30
Novice – Medal
3rd Grade A & B – $30
Grade C & D – $10
Novice – Medal		 Grade A & B – $30
Grade C & D – $10
Novice – Medal		 Open – $30
Intermediate – $10
Novice – Medal

Entry Dates

  • Open 1st September 

  • Close 4 pm 23rd October 2026

no gate sales on the day, buy online.