General News
9 February, 2023
Robert Burns birthday celebrated
A PICNIC marked the birthday of iconic Scottish poet Robert Burns recently.
A PICNIC marked the birthday of iconic Scottish poet Robert Burns recently.
Robert Burns Scottish Festival committee member Jennifer Blomely said a picnic was held on Sunday, January 29 in honour of the bards’ 264th birthday.
She said the picnic was also the “kick start” of the festival for 2023.
“The concert in the lush surrounds of Camperdown’s Botanical Gardens was a great day out,” Mrs Blomely said.
“For a gold coin entry guests were treated to lively music, poetry, haggis balls, dancing and a truly impressive Claymore sword as part of the event.
“What a marvellous concert and happy day out.”
Festival chairperson Dr John Menzies OAM piped in the Haggis to the delight of the crowd.
Mrs Blomely said Norm McDonald gave the traditional Address to the Haggis.
She said guest dancers impressed all in attendance and the inclusion of a Scottish Sword Dance “provided a real sense of tradition”.
“We were honoured to have the Chief of the McArthur clan, Mr Stewart McArthur AM present, he proved to be an enthusiastic chief cheerleader too,” Mrs Blomely said.
“As always it was a delight to have Jane McSween with the Lakes and Craters Band, who gave us such a large, superbly performed repertoire.
“Musical group Tuniversal, followed by Merran and Peter Moir all provided foot tapping musical entertainment.
“The crowd was treated to a performance of ‘To a Mouse’ poetry by Andrew O’Flynn, followed by a musical performance by ‘The Twa Bards’ who had everyone clapping and joining in the circle with the Burns classic ‘Auld lang syne’.”
“If this is any indication of the enjoyment level of coming Burns events, we are all assured of a great 2023 Robert Burns Scottish Festival in later June, early July,” Dr Menzies said.
