Celtic Culture is coming back to Warwick in all it’s forms musical, athletic and cultural when CelticFest Warwick kicks off at the Warwick Showground October 4-5.
And the region is set to play an important role in several international athletics events thanks to the much-loved Festival.
The Australian Highland Games Championships are once again part of this year’s event, bringing world-class traditional strength events, cultural celebration and exciting international opportunities for athletes.
Organised by Highland Muscle, Wollongong, this year’s championships feature more than twenty athletes across men’s, women’s, masters and, for the first time, junior and teen divisions.
“This year is about growth,” said Rob Mitchell, Highland Muscle’s Australian representative.
“From juniors through to masters, there are now clear pathways for Australian athletes to step onto the world stage. This event is not just about competition; it’s about building a future for Highland Games in Australia.”
The event serves as an official qualifier for the International Amateur Highland Games Championships in Norway, with winners of the open divisions receiving invitations and financial support to compete overseas.
Plans are also underway for Masters champions to qualify for the International Highland Games Federation Masters World Series in the United States in 2026. Juniors and teens will be part of the Australian Championships for the first time, marking a major milestone in the sport’s national growth.
Australia’s top performers, such as Oceania champion Terry Sparkes and rising star Brock Ridsdale will compete alongside emerging talent. In the women’s field, Queenslander Lily Riley, and Red Windle are among the names to watch.
Ridsdale said he was looking forward to coming back to Warwick this year.
“I’ve competed at Warwick in 2023 and was a great atmosphere with a great crowd,” he said.
“I was roped into my first games at Ipswich and then kept coming back. It was the Ipswich gathering 2021, was a bit nervous starting, a new event in front of a big crowd.”
Ridsdale, whose favourite event is the hammer throw, says he tries to throw at least one day a week and train at the gym two to three days a week.
And while he loves the competition he also loves the cultural aspect of an event like Celticfest.
“I personally think the culture and the support of the Highland Games community is what keeps it going year in year out,” he admitted.
Does the up and coming competitor have any advice for anyone wanting to give Highland Games events a go?
“Find a group closest to you to have a go, everyone is friendly and you’ll never regret it,” he said.
Any tips?
“Do not throw it into the crowd,” he laughed.
This will be Queenslander Lily Riley’s first performance at Celticfest.
“No haven’t been to Celtic Fest before but really looking forward to the event,” she said.
“I train with the big dawg Terry Sparkes. He dragged me along to one of his throwing sessions down at a field one day. Terry messaged the gang my numbers in training which earned me a spot at Nationals.
“My first competition was Nationals in 2022. I did surprisingly better than expected. I came second in the opens and broke the WOB AUS record.
“I do powerlifting specific training four days a week. Squats, main bench day, deadlifts then secondary bench day. When I have a Highland Games competition coming up, I add in throwing sessions where I can.
“I love making my family proud while representing our family tartan.”
CelticFest Warwick visitors can expect to see the full slate of traditional Scottish strength contests including putting the stone, Ridsdale’s favourite the hammer throw, caber toss, weight for distance and weight over the bar.
This year also introduces the Manhood Stone Challenge, a historic test of strength adapted into a timed lifting and carrying event, offering both men and women the chance to qualify for future international competitions.
The return of the championships follows the successful Melbourne International Highland Games earlier this year, which attracted 50 athletes from six countries.
The Australian Highland Games Championships are a highlight of CelticFest Warwick, a vibrant celebration of Scottish and Irish heritage in Queensland’s Southern Downs. Alongside the Highland Games, festival-goers will enjoy Celtic music and dance, artisanal markets, medieval re-enactments, workshops, and animal encounters featuring Highland cows, Shetland ponies and Friesian horses, and Irish wolfhounds.
The Australian Highland Games Championships will be held during CelticFest Warwick 2025 at the Warwick Showgrounds on October 4–5, 2025. Tickets and further details are available at www.celticfestqld.com.au.
Highland Muscle is the official Australian representative of the International Highland Games Federation (IHGF), dedicated to reviving and expanding Highland Games nationally and creating opportunities for athletes to compete on the world stage.
CelticFest Warwick is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
CelticFest Warwick is also supported by the Southern Downs Regional Council.
