Bagpipes, Highland games, wild dances and of course, lots of whisky, will be found on the ruins of an old Walloon abbey this weekend for the ‘Scottish Days’ folk festival. There is even a chance to enter into a "clandestine marriage".
The annual Scottish culture festival will take place this weekend, 9-10 August, on the domain of the Aulne Abbey, nestled on the right bank of the Sambre river in Hainault.
A busy agenda is planned, with folk music and dancing taking centre stage (but not only). There will be four bagpipe performances and marches throughout the weekend, as well as the traditional Scottish gathering and dance known as 'ceilidhs.
Brussels' very own Scottish ceilidh band The Hoggies will be leading the dance on the main stage. There will also be live shows by Simple Minds cover band, The Minds, and kilted Irish rock folk band, Those Fucking Bells.
Brussels-based Scottish traditional band The Hoggies in 2017. Credit: The Hoggies
Let's get marriit?
A highlight of the festival gives revellers the chance to enter into an illegal marriage, with a recreation of the the famous Blacksmiths Shop on the English-Scottish border – a place where couples have been tying the knot since 1754.
The festival will give people the chance to follow the footsteps of the many eloping couples who, attracted by Scotland's lenient marriage laws at the time, fled to get wedded in the small town of Gretna Green.
This weekend, rebellious couples can take their vows in front of the original anvil of the 'Blacksmith Priest' who officiated at these clandestine weddings.
Illustration picture shows the Highland Games at the Scottish Days at the Ferme d'Hougoumont in Braine-l'Alleud, Monday 15 August 2016. Credit: Belga
It won’t be just fun and games, as three conferences on three different Scottish cultural themes will take place.
Talks on the social role of the Bagpipe, the clan system and the history of the Highland Dress, which will no doubt feature a discussion on kilts, will be held over the weekend.
A story corner for young and old will see a storyteller, accompanied by her harp, take you on a journey through the haunting legends of Scotland.
Hieland games
The famous Highland Games, a traditional Scottish sporting and cultural event, featuring athletic competitions, music, dance, and more, will be held on both days.
Illustration picture shows the Highland Games at the Scottish Days at the Ferme d'Hougoumont in Braine-l'Alleud, Monday 15 August 2016. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Revellers will be given a unique opportunity to participate and compete in these traditional contests of strength. It features test of strength competitions, including the stone put, Scottish hammer throw, caber toss, keg toss and many more.
Fuid & drink
An array of Scottish culinary flavours will be found all weekend inside the Gastronomic Village as well as the special Scottish banquet, held every day between 12:00-14:00.
Traditional foods include Aberdeen Angus beef, salmon, shellfish, biscuits, Scottish beers, Arbroath Smokies, black pudding and of course, haggis, the savoury pudding containing sheep's heart, liver, and lungs.
A multitude of whiskies pictured at the Highland Games at the Scottish Days at the Ferme d'Hougoumont in Braine-l'Alleud, Monday 15 August 2016. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
For those looking for the country’s biggest delicacy – whisky (spelt without an E), the Whisky Palace will put on the best of traditional Scottish whiskies, tailoring the best bottles according to people's tastes.
A Scottish artisan market will also have blacksmiths, jewellers, cutlers, kilt makers, fudge confectioners and distillers show off the best of their trade.
NB: The italicised sub-headings are in the Scots language. For more information and to book your ticket, click here.
