Community
3 July, 2026
Burns Festival sees strong crowds
TARTAN and kilts were abound in Camperdown over the weekend as the Robert Burns Celtic Festival drew strong crowds.
Numbers were up from previous years across the board, from more market stalls in the avenue to more attendees at the various ticketed and free events around the township.
Festival coordinator Catherine O’Flynn said the festival once again proved successful, with plenty of positive feedback from attendees.
“Everyone who came enjoyed themselves – it certainly looked like everyone was having a good time,” she said.
“The History Talks were well-patronised and were very interesting.
“The speakers want to come back next year and do some more.
“The Welsh fairy stories were very popular.
“People have the opportunity to experience first-class musicians.”
Mrs O’Flynn said the festival was continuing to grow from strength to strength, with all events well-patronised and a strong mix of local and national talent on show.
“The Irish and Scottish dancers was very popular – everyone had positive feedback about it,” she said.
“Usually they’ve danced separately – having them dancing together was amazing.
“Even the die-hard Scots had positive feedback.
“The Australian Irish Dance Company were fabulous.
“Tuniversal played an ensemble and were fantastic.”
Mrs O’Flynn said there were three particularly strong highlights as part of the many concerts held over the Saturday and Sunday.
“We haven’t had AUSTRAL back for a couple of years, so having them back was a real highlight,” she said.
“The City of Melbourne Pipe Bands, one of the top bands in Australia, finished off the festival well – they lifted the roof off the Theatre Royal.
“The Welsh choir concert on the Saturday was excellent.”
Read More: Camperdown