Braemar Castle Celebrates Heritage, Community and Tradition at Annual Fayre

Braemar Castle will come alive with music, crafts, tradition, community spirit and family entertainment as the Heritage Fayre, formerly known as Community Day, returns on Saturday 23rd May 2026.

The event will take place in the castle’s historic grounds, beginning at 10am with a welcome march led by the Duff Highlanders and the Invercauld Highlanders, who will perform a piped procession up to the castle and around the grounds to launch the celebrations.

A packed programme of performances, displays and family-friendly activities will feature throughout the day, including hands-on crafting activities, storytelling, and local Highland dancers. The Braemar Piping Association will also perform a special display at 3pm.

A major highlight of the event is the ever-popular dog show, where pups from around the region will battle it out for titles including Prettiest Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Best Oldie, Best Puppy and Best Trick. An overall prize will be awarded to the dog the judges would most like to take home. Each category will be held throughout the day and judged by local vets, Morven Vets. The competition will conclude with fancy dress and a musical sit competition.

There will also be interactive elements where visitors can ‘come and have a go’.  Local Scottish strongman and heavy events athlete James Dawkins will be on hand to teach caber tossing, hammer throw and shot put. Test your strength and see how you measure up against our strongman. For a gentler activity, attendees can take part in hands-on crafting sessions and learn to make a dancing Highlander piper puppet. Local author Sabine Muir will also host storytelling sessions in the castle woods. There will also be a showcase of local businesses and crafters will feature jewellery makers, leather goods, crystals, hand-sewn items, dog treats, artwork, sweeties and face painting.

New for this year is the teddy zipline, where younger visitors can send their teddies on a high-speed adventure. Launching from the very top of the high tower of the castle, each teddy will soar over the castle grounds before safely landing back on the ground. Rigorous medical checks will be carried out before each furry friend takes off, and families will be asked to sign a disclaimer covering any lost fluff, wobbly eyes, dizzy bears, or brave teddy mishaps that may occur during the flight. Each participant receives a certificate of bravery upon completion.

Suzanna Atkinson, manager of Braemar Castle, said: “We decided to rebrand the event for 2026, moving from Community Day to Heritage Fayre to better reflect what the occasion has become. It is a celebration of the castle’s rich heritage, giving visitors the opportunity to explore its fascinating past alongside a wonderful mix of music, dance and family activities.

“Everyone is welcome to come and experience this very special place, and it is also our way of saying thank you to everyone who plays a part in the care and support of the castle, with a joyful, community-focused day that reflects everything Braemar Castle stands for.

“The whole team look forward to this event each year. We have a packed programme of entertainment, from talented local Highland dancers to author Sabine Muir, with something for all ages and interests. A range of artisan crafters and local businesses will be showcasing their products, alongside plenty of hands-on activities where visitors can learn new crafting skills or test their strength.

“The dog show is always a real highlight, and we absolutely love welcoming our four-legged visitors and their owners to take part in the fun. Our younger visitors can also bring their teddies along for a fun day out, with a touch of adventure, as they take on our high tower teddy zipline.”

Braemar Knitwits, a community knitting group that creates knitted installations to raise awareness and funds for local charities, will be displaying their giant knitted Jeff Koons dog as a taster of their ‘BraeMasterpieces’ trail, which will take place in October. Also, for one day only, the Braemar Castle kilted teddies treasure hunt will be replaced by colourful knitted Jeff Koons dogs for children to discover.

Delicious food and drink will be available from the McFly Snack Shack, which will be providing American-style hot dogs and popcorn.

Built in 1628 by the Earl of Mar, Braemar Castle was transformed from a hunting lodge to a Redcoat military garrison after the Jacobite risings. It has survived clan feuds, Jacobite rebellions and even being set alight. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Braemar Castle became a high society retreat. Over its 400-year history, the castle has been inhabited by some fascinating and colourful characters, many of whom have left their mark on the fabric of the building and its grounds.

For further information and to book tickets visit www.braemarcastle.co.uk.