General News
23 May, 2023
Burns fest’ line-up released
THE Robert Burns Scottish Festival will return this year with a full weekend program on offer.
THE Robert Burns Scottish Festival will return this year with a full weekend program on offer.
Festival co-ordinator Catherine O’Flynn said Austral will headline this year’s event from June 29 to July 2.
She said Austral were winners of the Traditional Folk Album of the Year at the 2022 Australian Folk Music Awards.
Festival favourites Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club and Hugh and Janet Gordon are back.
New guests Big Fiddle Little Fiddle are touted as a “not to be missed” act.
Talented local bands and muscians on the bill include Kyle and Merran Moir, The Twa Bards, Camperdown’s Lakes and Craters Band, the Warrnambool Pipes and Tuniversal Musci Group In.
Ms O’Flynn said new events this year will include a Saturday evening soiree to be held in the Killara Centre, and a Saturday Poetry and ploughman’s lunch with the Unicorn Tapestry celebrating Scotland’s national animal.
She said also on Saturday will be a show for kids by Eric Read which is expected to be a “fun filled, family-friendly highlight”.
“The festival opens Thursday night with a movie at the Killara Centre, with Falling for Figaro, a delightful feel good, music rich, comedy,” Ms O’Flynn said.
“The Gala Dinner will be held at the Theatre Royal on Friday night.
“Enjoy a sumptuous and authentic Scottish meal with an Address to the Haggis, and entertainment. Bookings are essential as number are limited.”
Festival goers seeking historical content will be well catered for with Maree Belyea and Bob Lambell organising four guest speakers for the Saturday Lecture Series.
Topics include:
Fiona Ross – Burns as a songwriter and collector;
Stewart McArthur – Waltzing Matilda;
Dr Rosalie Triolo – Scots as Sodgers and Teacher Enlistees 1914-18; and
Allan Willingham – Portraits, Panoramas and Landscapes.
Ms O’Flynn said Wee Stories will be at the Camperdown Library for the children, along with games, music and markets in the avenue.
“Highland dancers and pipers will activate the Clock Tower precinct,” she said.
“Choir workshops will be held on the Saturday. The very popular Cookery Class will be happening with Liz Patterson and Ruth Gstrein giving participants the opportunity to cook authentic Scottish food.
“On both Saturday and Sunday the Camperdown Heritage Centre and the Masonic lodge will be open for folk to visit, along with a climb of the Clock Tower.”
The festivities will continue on Sunday with a morning of music and poetry with The Twa Bards by the statue, followed by the Festival Finale Concert at the Theatre Royal in the afternoon, featuring
The Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club.
Ms O’Flynn said NAIDOC week starts on Sunday, July 2 and the festival committee aims to incorporate Indigenous connections in its program.
She said the school children’s program with primary and secondary aged events including art works, poetry, story writing and the popular shortbread baking competition will retur this year.
“These activities will happen before the festival and be delivered in the schools,” Ms O’Flynn said.
“Take a walk along the main street during festival week and see student’s work exhibited in local shop windows.
“There’s plenty of things to see and do, for all ages. We invite you to come and enjoy what’s on offer in 2023.”
Tickets are available now from www.trybooking.com/CICVY