In mid-September (13 - 15 September, 2024) the small Limburg town of Bilzen, roughly halfway between Hasselt and Maastricht, will be hosting the 37th Scottish Weekend (Schotsweekend): a three-day festival celebrating all things Hibernian including music, dance, food and drink, and much more. So, dust off your kilt and get down there!

The first Scottish event, a one-day pipe band competition, was organised in 1986 by a few enthusiasts in Genk. This was a great success attracting some 17 bands to participate.

Over the years the event often moved location but found its current base in Bilzen in 1994. And the programme has greatly expanded too. From the initial pipe band competition, a solo competition was added and then Highland Games and Highland Dancing. The concept of a full Scottish Weekend was born in 1989.

With the addition of folk performances, the Scottish market, children's activities and much more the Scottish Weekend is a family-friendly, atmospheric festival celebrating Celtic culture and enjoyed by young and old!

Every year someone is elected as 'chieftain' of the festival and becomes ‘clan leader’ for the year. In 2023 the Clan Chief was Martin Shearman, recently departed British Ambassador to Belgium. Who will be the Chief in 2024?

Only one way to find out – head to Bilzen for a cracking weekend in September!

More details about the event and programme can be found here.