General News
13 July, 2022
Burns Fest a success
HUNDREDS of people enjoyed the recent Robert Burns Scottish Festival program in Camperdown.
HUNDREDS of people enjoyed the recent Robert Burns Scottish Festival program in Camperdown.
The festival kicked off in Terang on Thursday June 30, with a satellite concert featuring international guest Laura Flanagan supported by Camperdown’s Peter Daffy, Jordy Hickey and the Tuniversal Music Group.
Friday night’s events included the Gala Dinner at the Theatre Royal featuring an authentic Scottish dinner and an address given by Scottish performer Fiona Ross.
Festival committee member Catherine O’Flynn said Professor Stewart Gill OAM proposed the toast to the “immortal Robert Burns” and spoke about Scotland’s national bard and the impact of his poetry, songs and stories.
“The musical entertainment included Kyle Moir piping in the evening and the haggis, Merran Moir playing the small pipes, Fiona Ross and Shane O’Mara as well as Claire Patti,” she said.
“The Gala Dinner was sold out and feedback from folk is that it was a wonderful night.”
Also on the Friday night, participants from the music workshop held in Terang performed at St Paul’s Hall along with festival musicians Laura Flanagan, Geoff McArthur, Merran and Pete Moir and the Cornerhous Band.
Saturday saw Camperdown’s main street come alive with Dr John Menzies playing his pipes from the top of the clock tower.
“The local shops displayed the school children’s art work, Wee Stories at the Library with Chris Gstrein reading to the children and their parents and after that a highland dancer demonstrated a highland dance with children joining in,” Ms O’Flynn said.
“Saturday afternoon patrons were treated to a concert at the Theatre Royal with Claire Pattie and her choir students followed by Fiona Ross and Shane O’Mara.”
Seventy-six patrons attended a series of guest lectures this year, covering a variety of topics.
Live music continued throughout the afternoon and evening at a number of locations giving festival goers ample choice.
The fun continued on Sunday with the Robbie Burns Golf Ambrose, the Camperdown Rotary Club market as well as more musical entertainment throughout the day.
Dr John Menzies OAM said it was “great to be back”.
“The COVID pandemic had impacted on the Robert Burns Scottish Festival for the past two years,” he said.
“To be able to host this festival has been a great opportunity to showcase Camperdown by being able to bring so many talented musicians who have performed all over the world and our local talented musicians."
“Next year’s festival will be bigger and rebuilding the festival for our region has been managed by a committee of community volunteers bringing their skills to the table.”
Ms O’Flynn said the festival had received funding from a number of sources including Corangamite Shire, philanthropic trusts and a number of local businesses.
“A number of local businesses donated goods for raffles to help raise funds also for the festival,” she said.
“A big thankyou to volunteers who stepped up to help our committee over the weekend. Without these good people helping, we could not have delivered such a successful event."
“And of course, to all the patrons who travelled to Camperdown for the weekend and the local people who purchased tickets.”