Another Incredible Canada Day at the 2026 Embro Highland Games!

The 2026 Embro Highland Games took place on July 1st, as Canada celebrated its 159th birthday. Hosted by the Zorra Caledonian Society at the Embro Community Centre, the Games brought together competitors and spectators for another fantastic day of Highland tradition.

Despite an extreme heat wave that saw temperatures soar past +40°C amid high humidity, everyone still enjoyed a full day of piping and drumming competitions, heavyweight events, highland dancing, live music, plenty of vendors, and delicious food. This year’s Games also saw a noticeable increase in solo entries, with more than 13 judging tables set up throughout the venue to keep the competitions running smoothly.

Overall Winner:

Professional Piper: Sean McKeown Amateur Piper: Matt Greco Professional Drummer: Kyle Wardell

Click here for the full list of solo results!

Solo Judges

Piping – Light Music 

• Peter Aumonier

• Michael Wm Grey

• Bob Worrall

• Dylan Whittemore

• Trish Kirkwood

• Jim Scott

• Norman McDonald

• Jamie P Blacklock

• Calum MacDonald
  

Piping – Piobaireachd 

• Peter Aumonier

• Calum MacDonald

• Michael Wm Grey

• John K Cairns

• Glenna MacKay-Johnstone
  

Snare & Midsection 

• Joe Kiah

• Kyle Heaney

This year's band competition featured 14 bands, who had some amazing performances, and once again, we were able to offer a juvenile band contest, with two bands competing. Seeing these up-and-coming musicians out on the field is always exciting and a great reminder that the future of piping and drumming is in good hands!

1st Place Winners 

• Grade 2 - Guelph Pipe Band

• Grade 3 - Hamilton Police Pipe Band

• Grade 4 - Durham Regional Police Pipes & Drums

• Grade 5 - Peel Regional Police Pipe Band

• Juvenile - Hamilton Police Pipe Band

  
  

Click here for the full list of band results!

Band Judges

• Piping: Michael Wm Grey, Glenna MacKay-Johnstone

• Drumming: Joe Kiah

• Ensemble: Bob Worrall

After the band competition wrapped up, everyone headed onto the field for the traditional closing massed bands. Still, in true Southern Ontario fashion, the weather changed in an instant, with torrential rain and strong winds bringing the day to a soggy finish! Even with the unexpected downpour, it was a great reminder that, rain or shine, the piping and drumming community always comes together to help support one another.

Events like this don't happen without an incredible group of people working behind the scenes. A huge round of applause to the Embro Highland Games committee for putting together another fantastic day, and to our amazing PPBSO administration team, dedicated volunteers, and judges for everything they did to keep the competition running seamlessly. Your time, effort, and enthusiasm are what make days like this so amazing!

Photos: Nathan Nguyen