Community
17 January, 2025
Burns birthday celebration this weekend
THE Camperdown Botanic Gardens will be filled with tartan and the bellows of bagpipes as the Robert Burns Celtic Festival committee hold a special birthday celebration for the famous bard.
The free Robert Burns Birthday Celebration will be held on Sunday from 4-6pm, with donations appreciated.
Festival coordinator Catherine O’Flynn said the event will also include a raffle, with residents encouraged to bring their own picnic and chairs to enjoy the Celtic festivities.
“You do not need a tartan heart to enjoy the event, it is a relaxed, family-friendly afternoon,” she said.
“This annual celebration is a beautiful way to revisit our local connection to the Bard.
“A natural stage appears under the sheltered canopy of Linden trees, near where the Robert Burns statue used to be seated.
“From around 3.40pm Dr John Menzies will play the bagpipes, inviting guests to make their way to the performance space.”
The event will be emceed by Simon Buccheri, with a ‘Piping in of the Haggis’ to be the main highlight of the event.
“This kilted parade, featuring honoured guests and a sword bearer, is a grand sight and sound,” Mrs O’Flynn said.
“Norm Macdonald will present the ‘Address to the Haggis’ in true Scots’ Aussie style.
“While the haggis is prepared for tasting (optional) Geelong Scottish Dance, led by Christine Shields, will dance to a pipe tune.
“Dr Menzies follows with a word on Burns to set the scene even further.
“The newly formed Robert Burns Celtic Festival Choir will then perform - their set will include Come by the Hills, and The Skye Boat Song.”
Entertainment will also include performances of Robert Burns songs and history discussions from the Twa Bards, followed by a poetry reading from Andrew O’Flynn.
“He will then assist in the raffle being drawn while Tuniversal Community Music Group, who auspice the festival, set up,” Mrs O’Flynn said.
“They will feature tunes that will be accompanied at times by Geelong Scottish Dance; magical.
“The afternoon will finish with everyone joining in together for Auld Lang Syne.”
For further information, contact Mrs O’Flynn on 0407 056 126.
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