General News
12 June, 2026
Festival offers free fun for all
THE countdown is on for the Robert Burns Celtic Festival later this month, with the festival committee unveiling a variety of free events for residents to enjoy.
Festival coordinator Catherine O’Flynn said the free events, alongside free entry for students under 18 years, contributed to providing affordable fun for all attendees.
“We are calling all home bakers to get cooking their favourite shortbreads and enter them into our annual shortbread competition, proudly sponsored by the Loaf and Lounge, with three sections including primary age, secondary age and an open section,” she said.
“Entry forms are available from the Loaf and Lounge and from the festival website at camperdownburnsfestival.com.au.
“Two categories are running this year – traditional shortbread and fancy shortbread.
“Judging will take place on Friday, June 26.
“Why not make Camperdown the home of shortbread and grow this event into something very special.”
Prizes will be on offer for winning entries, which will be presented at the Saturday night family ceilidh at the Theatre Royal.
Mrs O’Flynn said the Camperdown Library will host a morning of fun for the younger festival attendees.
“Stories, Fun and Music with Anne Daffy and co will see the group presenting hands-on activities, storytelling and songs for the children from 10am until 11am,” she said.
“Drop off the children or better still stay and join in with the fun.
“If you love mythology and traditional stories, stroll down to the Masonic Hall at 11.15am and hear Welshman Bill Spawtorn share old Welsh stories on fairy Welsh brides and enchanted animals, followed by the Lakes and Craters Band in concert playing a great selection of music from Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
“Celtic music will also be played at the Loaf and Lounge – go in and shout yourself a cake and coffee and be entertained by the C’MERE T’ME.
“It is the first time for this band performing in Camperdown with band members John Corby, Coby Barbary, Cait Corby, Maddy Barbary-Copley, Anne Daffy and Denise Daffy.”
Saturday afternoon will see festival attendees able to stop by the Hampden Hotel to taste some different whiskies alongside live music from a variety of festival musicians.
Mrs O’Flynn said a final free event on the Saturday will allow attendees to get warmed up and prepared for the family ceilidh later in the night.
“The Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club Ceilidh Band is running a Scottish Country Workshop at St Paul’s Church Hall, which promises to be lots of fun,” she said.
“Scottish country dancing is similar to our Australian bush dancing – the caller will take folk through the different steps.
“The workshop promises to be lots of fun, so come on down to St Paul’s on Saturday afternoon to this free event.”
The Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club Ceilidh band will perform on Saturday night at the Theatre Royal as part of the family ceilidh from 6.30–7.50pm and will later join Austral, Peter Daffy and Friends Celtic Band and the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle club Ceilidh Band for a concert.
The family ceilidh and the concert are both ticketed events, with children under 18 years granted free entry.
Mrs O’Flynn said there was also a lot on offer for free on the Sunday.
“The market will run in the avenue on Saturday and Sunday, with bagpipes being played from the clocktower,” she said.
“Festival attendees can climb the clocktower and visit the statue on Sunday morning to see the Twa Bards perform a tribute to Robert Burns to celebrate his life and character alongside the world’s oldest statue of the bard.
“Also happening in the avenue is a new little fun event, the ‘show us your tartan parade’ – which is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Camperdown.
“Wear your tartan and take part in a fashion parade, with prizes for best dressed junior, senior and best dressed pet.
“The Lakes and Craters Band will be playing in the avenue and some buskers playing the pipes will be there also.”
Mrs O’Flynn said there will also be some quieter, calmer events for those looking to embrace the festival in a softer way.
“Another free event on Sunday is an exhibition at the Heritage Centre where acclaimed quiltmaker and textile artist Jenny Bowker AO will be showing a selection of her quilts and speak on the background of the designs,” she said.
“At Killara Centre will be a free event with Fiona Ross called ‘The Celtic Way’.
“Inspired by the Celtic contemplative tradition, ‘The Celtic Way’ offers a held space for reflection, stillness, music imagery and prayer, inviting us to pause and listen deeply.”
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