“This event has been postponed” was an all too frequent phrase heard throughout 2020 and 2021.
Here’s hoping that events and festivities will soon begin to make a very welcome reappearance.
Whether you were gutted to miss out on the Highland Games or shed a tear when you didn’t get to take your new tent to a festival, 2022 will hopefully make up for it.
Here’s when all your favourite events will be returning to the north and north-east in this new year:
February
Spectra – Aberdeen, February 10-13
Aberdeen’s festival of light will be returning in 2022, this time with the theme Scotland’s Year of Stories. Artworks and activities will be spread across the city centre for all to enjoy.
Fort William Mountain Festival – Fort William, February 16-20
The Fort William Mountain Festival aims to showcase the potential for adventure and getting outdoors in Fort William and the surrounding areas. More information on the 2022 programme can be found here.
March
Snowman Rally – Black Isle Showground, March 5
The “world class” Snowman Rally will roar into the Highlands for the first time in two years, with thousands expected to come along and spectate.
Inverness half marathon and 5k – Inverness, March 13
The Inverness half marathon and 5k were cancelled for the first time in 36 years in 2021. This year, organisers hope to bring it back bigger and better.
April
Run Balmoral – Balmoral Estate, April 23-24
There are multiple events and races taking place as part of Run Balmoral in 2022, the full timetable can be found on their website.
May
Scottish Six Day Trial (SSDT) – Lochaber, May 2-7
Organisers made the decision to cancel the SSDT motorcycle event in 2021 months before it took place. They hope it will go ahead in 2022, but their website does warn that it depends on the Covid situation at the time.
Skye Live festival – Skye, May 13-14
This popular festival is already sold out after announcing it would return to normal following last year’s virtual offering. Artists performing include Blazin’ Fiddles, The Islands and Ceilar Ceilidh Trail.
Run Garioch – Inverurie, May 15
Around 3,000 runners take part in the event each year. In 2021, Run Garioch was first postponed then held as a virtual event.
Mountain Bike World Cup – Fort William, May 21-22
The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup will return to Fort William in 2022 following a three-year absence. More than 250 of the world’s top riders are expected to attend.
Grampian Pride – Aberdeen, May 28
Four Pillars hopes their Grampian Pride will provide a safe space for all LGBT+ people and their straight allies. They were able to host Winter Pride in October.
Kiltwalk – Aberdeen, May 29
For the first time in three years, Kiltwalk will return to the Granite City. People from all over can don their tartan and raise money for charity.
June
Piping Inverness – Inverness, June 25
Piping Inverness incorporates the European Pipe Band Championships and will bring Highland dancers, pipe bands and fans to Bught Park in June.
July
HebCelt – Stornoway, July 13-16
HebCelt did take place in 2021, but in a limited capacity. In 2022, the festival will be going bigger than ever to belatedly celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival – Belladrum Estate, July 28-30
A star studded line-up has already been announced for the 2022 Belladrum festival. This year’s theme is myths and legends, and performers include Emeli Sande, The Fratellis and Van Morrison.
August
Ride the North – Moray, August 27
Ride the North, a cycling event that has attracted up to 1,000 riders in the past, is usually held across Aberdeenshire and Moray. However, organisers have announced it will only take place in the latter in 2022.
September
Kirking of the Council – Inverness, date not confirmed
In 2020, the Kirking of the Council was cancelled for the first time in 400 years. It was cancelled again in 2021, but officials hope it will go ahead in the new year.
Braemar Gathering – Braemar, September 3
Along with other Highland games across Scotland, the Braemar Gathering is due to make a return after two years of cancelled and amended events.
Tour of Britain – Aberdeen, September 4
After the success of 2021’s event, the Tour of Britain will be returning to Aberdeen. Thousands of people lined the Beach Esplanade to watch the cyclists whiz past back in September.
November
Bonfire night – November 5
After Covid cancelled most fireworks displays in 2021, including the much-loved display at Aberdeen beach, it is hoped that they will be able to run as normal once more in the new year.
December
Boxing Day Nippy Dip – Aberdeen, December 26
For the second year in a row, the Boxing Day Nippy Dip was cancelled in 2021. Fans of the North Sea swim should be able to get their frosty fix later in 2022.
Stonehaven Fireballs – Stonehaven, December 31
Organisers were forced to cancel the Stonehaven Fireballs ceremony just weeks before it was due to take place on Hogmanay. They hope that it can safely return next year.
2023
Up Helly Aa – Shetland, January 31
Up Helly Aa organisers have already made the decision to push their Lerwick event back yet another year to give them more time to prepare.
Speaking of the decision, committee secretary Robert Geddes said: “Up Helly Aa as an event relies on numerous factors coming together at one time to be able run smoothly and safely.
“Planning for the event takes place a full year ahead of each festival and despite the best efforts to continue organising the festival through the various restrictions that have been in place to date this year, it is clear now that despite the release of further restrictions there isn’t sufficient time to run the event in its normal format.”