Community
21 June, 2024
Celebrating everything Celtic this weekend
THE Robert Burns Festival Committee are dusting off their kilts and bagpipes for this year’s Robert Burns Celtic Festival (RBCF), marking the first year of the new festival layout.
The festival will also include Irish, English, Welsh and Scottish events across town, focusing on celebrating the Celtic culture.
This year will also include something special for the town, with the ABC television show Back Roads filming the festival and exploring Camperdown.
RBCF chairperson Dr John Menzies OAM said the festival will have something for everyone.
“The 2024 Robert Burns Celtic Festival is here, and Camperdown in winter time is a great opportunity to put your hat and coat on and join in this wonderful winter festival,” he said.
“On Friday The Gala Dinner at the Theatre Royal has sold out this year, but don’t worry -there is a Festival Concert at Killara featuring Peter Daffy and Friends Celtic band and the Twa Bards will entertain music lovers.
“Saturday is filled with lots of things to see and do, with free events open to all, including Janet and Hugh Gordon performing at the Loaf and Lounge, and the judging of the Shortbread baking competition at the Loaf and Lounge with Back Roads host Kerry Straight and mayor Kate Makin judging the shortbreads.”
Dr Menzies OAM will be playing his bagpipes from the Camperdown Clocktower during the markets, which will be held over the weekend.
He said the Killara Centre will again host a series of history talks, which will cover a variety of topics.
“This year’s History Talks has four great speakers from 10.30 am – 3.30 pm,” Dr Menzies OAM said.
“Come into Killara to listen to guest presenters, Dr Rosalie Triolo, Dr Iain Buckland, Dr Peter Yule and Alan ‘Sarge’ Hart.”
RBCF coordinator Catherine O’Flynn said the festival will feature both new attractions and fan favourites this year.
“A brand-new event at the Theatre Royal this year will see seven visiting choirs, plus our very own choir the Camperdown Robert Burns Celtic Choir, perform in this competition,” she said.
“Tickets are just $10 per person and children under the age of 18 years are free.
“One hundred and thirty choristers will join together on stage to sing the Skye Boat Song under the baton of Kym Dillion.
“Two Scottish lasses, Fiona Ross and Dr Val Taylor will put on a Scottish presentation of Robert Burns songs and a recital of Tam O’ Shanter at the statue of Robert Burns in the council office.”
Ms O’Flynn said the RBCF also includes activities and events for the whole family.
“A fun family night event at 6.30pm at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night if you love bush dancing - bring the kids and learn some fun Scottish Country Dancing,” she said.
“Prizes for the Schools Art and Writing competition will be presented to the winning entries at the Family Ceilidh.
“The finale event on Saturday night promises to be fabulous night with a Ceilidh, featuring Peter Daffy and Friends Celtic Band, Award-winning three-piece Band Apolline, and Angus Barbary, Caity Brennan and Connor Hoy, including an open music session afterwards open to all musicians.
“The Robbie Burns Golf Ambrose kicks off at 11am on Sunday at the Camperdown Golf Club, so for the keen golfers a fun competition is on.”
The festival will wind up on Sunday night with the Finale Concert from 1pm, with the lineup including Warrnambool Pipes and Drums, the Melbourne Male Welsh Choir, and the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.
Ms O’Flynn extended her gratitude to all those who work to bring the RBCF together.
“The Robert Burns Celtic Festival committee are all volunteers who work together to present Camperdown’s flagship festival and appreciate all the local sponsors and funders for their continued support,” she said.
For more information on the festival, visit camperdownburnsfestival.com.au, or contact Ms O’Flynn on 0407 056 126.
Tickets are still on sale at Laffs or can be purchased on the day at the festival venues.