No Montreal games in 2013, but promises return next year

The resurrected and popular Montreal Highland Games & Celtic Festival and its legendary beer tent will not happen in 2013 after sponsorship plans failed to come through, but organizaers say that the event will be back in 2014 with a new venue at Angrignon Park in the southwest borough of the city.

“We lost a principal sponsor,” said Kirk Johnstone, games organizer. “We have found a replacement, but only for 2014.”

The Montreal games were once part of the Pipers & Pipe Band Society of Ontario’s circuit, but suspended piping, drumming and band competitions in 2010. A band contest was brought back in 2011 and 2012, although not under PPBSO sanctioning. The competition format was followed a “concert” setting, with contestants by invitation only.

The 2014 Montreal Highland Games & Celtic Festival is scheduled for August 2-3.