Highland Magic In Western Mass
By Irish Boston Tourism Newsroom
The magic of the highlands sparkles in Western Massachusetts this summer as the 31st Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival returns in splendor to Florence in Northampton on Saturday, July 18.
Billed as the only festival of its kind in Massachusetts and the second largest in New England, this rain-or-shine celebration in charming Over Look Park offers an immersive journey into Celtic culture through world-class music and dancing, robust athletic games, authentic food and libations, and various cultural Scottish traditions. Plus there are family events and children’s activities and plenty of vendors selling imported Scottish clothing, music, food products and books.
The festival audience has grown in popularity over the years, as people discover the stellar array of musical performers.
This year’s line-up features high-energy Celtic music from three of the best band on the circuit, including the legendary Albannach, pictured above, the high-octane Seven Nations, and the electrifying Haggis X-1, pictured below.
The festival features 30 Scottish pipe bands with nearly 700 pipers and drummers, and an annual highlight is the EUSPBA Northeast Branch Amateur Drumming Championships, bringing the region’s top drummers to the main stage.
The beautiful setting is also a draw, says Event Chairman Peter Langmore, an original founder and a primary organizer ever since.
“First, everyone loves the idyllic location at Look Park in Florence,” which is nestled in the college town of Northampton. It’s location in Western Massachusetts is a reasonable driving distance from all of New England and New York and the MidAtlantic States, as well as eastern Canada. And parking is free!
“Second, the broad range of activities of Scottish, Irish and Celtic cultures, cuisine and sports are a huge draw and is a fun filled day for all ages and ethnicities.”
Among the highlights:
- Athletic competitions that include Bramer open stone throws weighing 16 pounds, light weight and heavy hammer throw and caber toss (throwing a tree trunk).
- Living History exhibitions that display Highland encampments, sheep herding and weaving demonstrations.
- Onsite genealogists and Clan representatives help visitors trace their ancestry and family trees.
- A Taste of Scotland features authentic bridies, meat pies, scones and shortbread.
- A Kids’ Corner is a dedicated play area with children’s athletic games and access to the Look Park water spray park.
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