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One of the best parts of being Scottish, being of Scottish descent or just being interested in all things Scottish, is being able to attend the numerous Festivals, Gatherings and Games that are held throughout the world.
Here is a special list of Burns Celebrations and Highland Games taking place around the world.
Thank you to all those who sent in their events. Please continue to use the Contact Us button to send us your news.
Here is a special list of Burns celebrations from all around the world.
In this edition, we have events in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Hungary, New Zealand, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Spain and USA
Argentina
The Highland Heritage Society of Buenos Aires and Scotland in Argentina: Burns Supper
Saturday: 26 January 2008 at 9pm.
Many Scots and their friends will gather to remember the life and works of Scotland's National Bard in a celebration that promises Scottish Country Dancing, singing (Auld Lang Syne), reciting poems (The Selkirk Grace, Address to a Haggis, Scotch Drink) and toasts to the immortal memory of Robert Burns, the land of our ancestors and to the lassies. Homemade haggis and a delicious Atholl Brose will be served.
Venue: Club del Progreso Sarmiento 1334 Buenos Aires. www.scotlandinargentina.com.ar
Australia
Wellers Hill, Queensland
Burns Supper Night
Saturday 19th January 2008
Brisbane Clans Pipes and Drums Burns Night at Wheelers Hill Bowls Club. Info 07 3369 2232
Redlands, Queensland
Redlands Pipe Band Burns Supper
Sunday 20th January 2008
7.00pm for a 7.30 start. Info 07 3207 0928
Mt Gravatt, Queensland
Burns Night
Friday 25th January 2008
Scottish Clans Congress Burns Night at Mt Gravatt Bowls Club, Logan Road. Info 07 3397 2615
Perth, WA
Burns Supper
Friday 25th January 2008
St Andrew's Society is hosting a Burns Supper. For further information visit www.saintandrew.org.au
Altona, Vic
Burns Supper
Saturday 2nd February 2008
The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne 58th Annual Burn's Supper at Altona RSL Sargood St. Altona map Ref 54. Contact Ina on 03 8361 0308 or Jane on 03 9836 0894.
Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Burns Supper
Saturday 9th February 2008
Society of St Andrew of Scotland (Qld) Ltd will be holding a Burns Supper at the Woombye School of Arts hall. For details contact Peter Keddie –07 5491 8436
Berwick, Vic
22nd Annual Berwick Highland Gathering
Sunday 10th February 2008
Annual Highland Gathering at Akoonah Park, Berwick. Scottish bands, dancing, stalls, clans, dog displays and more. A great family day out. Contact 03 9703 1161 or 03 9707 2093.
Brunswick East, Vic
Burns Supper
Saturday 16th February 2008
Brunswick Scottish Society Burns Supper. Victoria Street Hall, East Brunswick. 6.30pm start. Contact Ina 03 8361 0308
Mount Barker, SA
Mount Barker Caledonian Society Highland Gathering
Sunday 17th February 2008
The last remaining gathering in SA featuring massed bands. Pipe Band and Highland Dancing competitions, Clan information stalls, Scottish food stalls, strong man, caber tossing, haggis hurling competitions and much more. Contact Sue Green on 08 8538 5518/0427 700827 or e-mail suemg22@bigpond.com
Mittagong, NSW
Southern Highlands Pipe Band Competition
Sunday 17th February 2008
Over 20 Pipe Bands, 80 solo pipers, 60 Highland Dancers at Mittagong Sports Ground. Contact Charlie Johns 0408 211 267
Geelong, Vic
Geelong Highland Gathering
Sunday 16th March 2008
Includes the 2008 Victorian Pipe Band Championship at Queens Park, Geelong. Contact 03 5250 3885
Ringwood, Vic
2008 Ringwood Highland Games
Sunday 30th March 2008
Returns to Jubilee Park, Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood. Pipe Bands, Scottish stalls and more. Contact Sue MacLeod 03 9876 4140
Belgium
Brussels – The Scottish Government EU Office presents:
A Burns Programme 24th January – 5th February 2008
Venue: Scotland House, 8th floor, rond-point Schuman 6, 1040 Brussels
24 January 2008, 18.30
Burns Night concert: Burns for a' that
The Scottish Government EU Office would like to invite you to celebrate Scotland's national poet at a special Burns concert in Scotland House. Come along and enjoy a drink while listening to ballads and bawdy songs, and learn about Burns' fascinating life with your host for the evening, Dr Fred Freeman, an expert on Scottish folk tradition.
29 January 2008 hosted by Linda Fabiani, MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture
Opening of the 'Entrepreneurial Scotland – Portraits of Inspiration' exhibition, starting at 12.00
This new exhibition will showcase stunning photographic portraits of some of Scotland's top modern entrepreneurs. It illustrates the diversity of skills, talents, beliefs and philosophies that Scotland produces. This is a chance to see how Scottish entrepreneurs have played their part in making Scotland a more confident and vibrant modern nation, taking its place in the global economy. Come along and hear how artists Tricia Malley and Ross Gillespie approached this inspiring project.
A light sandwich lunch will be served at 12.30, followed by:
Scottish writers' series talk with Iain Banks, starting at 13.00
The Scottish writers' series continues with the highly acclaimed author Iain Banks, well-known for 'The Wasp factory' and 'The Crow Road'. Banks has gained enormous and popular critical acclaim with further works of both fiction and science fiction. Don't miss this exceptionally stimulating talk where there will also be a chance to get your favourite novel signed!
30 January 2008, 13.00
Scottish writers' series talk with Raman Mundair
A light sandwich lunch will also be served.
A further treat in our Burns' programme is a talk by Raman Mundair, poet, writer, artist and playwright based in Shetland, Scotland. Born in Ludhiana, India, she is the author of two volumes of poetry, 'A Choreographer's Cartography' and 'Lovers, Liars, Conjurers and Thieves'. As an artist, she makes work that represents text and narrative in a visual form. Her work has been featured on BBC Radio 4's Women's Hour, BBC London, BBC Asian Network, and the BBC World Service.
Described as 'a rare breed', Raman will be in Scotland House to deliver a sharp and entertaining talk.
5 February 08, 19.00
Writing the City: Edinburgh in Poetry, Prose and Song
Join us for a unique and highly entertaining literary evening, performed and celebrated by a distinguished cast: writer and comedian Susie Maguire, actor Crawford Logan, musician Rod Paterson and Gavin Wallace of the Scottish Arts Council. This excellent show was created by Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust, the world's first UNESCO City of Literature.
Attendance at all of these events is free of charge, however, places are limited. To register, please contact Brusselsevents@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Canada
Quebec City
Burns Night
Saturday 26th January 2008
Organised by the Quebec Garrison of the Historical Regiment of the 78th Fraser Highlanders at the classy Garrison Club in Old Quebec. Traditional evening with the piping o' the haggis and entertainment. Contact Ted and Louise Gunn: gunn@upc.qc.ca or 418 842 6563
Toronto, Ontario
RSCDS Toronto Association Forty-Fifth Annual Tartan Ball
Saturday 16th February 2008
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto. 6pm reception, 7pm full course dinner, and dancing from 9pm. Contact Jim Stark 416 691 8035
Toronto, Ontario
As we fast approach "The Year of the Homecoming" in Scotland 2009, a year marking the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns' birth, we welcome you to share and celebrate with us our seventh annual Burns Supper at the Granite Club on the Bard's birthday, Friday, January 25, 2008. Join us for a highly entertaining evening in the majestic ambience of the Granite Club's Grand Ballroom, where some 400 guests will assemble for the unique evening which starts at 6pm and ends around 11.30pm.
- "Address to a Haggis: by Lachlan Hamilton with the possibility of an English translation
- the pipes and drums of the 48th Highlanders under the direction of Pipe Major Ian Lang
- sprightly fiddling of our talented and vivacious violinist Stefanie
- and more . . .
Free Scottish Country dance lessons for three Saturdays in January, prior to the event
The Granite Club is located on the west side of Bayview Avenue, just north of Lawrence Avenue.
For more information, please telephone Gordon Hepburn at 905-881-5780 www.scottishstudies.com
Winnipeg, MB
Winnipeg Scottish Festival
Saturday 16th February 2008
Winnipeg Convention Centre, hosted by Winnipeg Scottish Festival Inc. Info at www.winnipegscottishfestival.org
France
Bordeaux
Fete De Robert Burns
Saturday 26th January 2006 -
8pm
With food and poetry to honour Burns, with Scotch Mist Orchestra + Marilyn Simon Contact aae33@hotmail.com reservations: 0 556 812 897
Montpellier
Our Robert Burns Supper will take place in Montpellier on Friday 25th January 2008. The British Consul has kindly agreed to be present. Contact Viviano Rossi, Association France Ecosse, c/o Maison du Tourisme de l'Hérault , 1977, Avenue des Moulins, Montpellier
Hungary
The Caledonia –Taste of Scotland in Budapest
The Caledonia Bar in Budapest will play host to Hungarian bagpiper Keri Gyorgy as the Scots join with our Hungarian guests to toast Rabbie Burns. The whisky will flow, the band will play and a good night will be had by all.
Kaledonia ɴterem Kft1066 Budapest, Mozsar u. 9 tel/fax: +36-1-311-7611
New Zealand
Turakina
144th Turakina Highland Games
Saturday 26th January 2008
New Zealand's longest running Highland Games. Contact Roz Grant +64 06 327 3861 or tullochgorum@xtra.co.nz
Wellington
The Scots in New Zealand
1-28th February 2008
An exhibition celebrating the Scots in New Zealand at Te Papa, the museum of New Zealand. Info 04 381 7000
Paeroa
Highland Games and Tattoo
Saturday 9th February 2008
For further information contact Russell Player 07 862 7320
Papakura, Aukland
National Pipe Band Championship
Friday 7th and Saturday 8th March 2008
National Pipe band Championship. Info at www.rnzbanats2008.org
Russia
Moscow
Our Burns Supper will take place in Moscow on January 26. The event is organised by the St Andrew's Society under its Chieftain, Alan Thompson. About 250 people will attend, a mix of Scottish ex-pats and Russians. This event is certainly one of the top ones in terms of audience profile and venue and it attracts very high level business and social contacts.
Contact: Yuri Andreev, Regional Manager, Russia Scottish Development International 119049, Russia, Moscow, Ul. Koroviy Val 7, Office 13 "V" Tel: +7 495 937 3773 www.sdi.co.uk
Saudi Arabia
Jeddah
The Jeddah Caledonian Society will be celebrating Burn's night in style this year at the consulate here in Jeddah. Haggis has been specially flown in from Auchterarder, Edinburgh and the Orkney Islands and we shall be having a full complement of speeches, four course meal and a bit of a dance after the meal. As usual we will have a very well supported raffle (thanks sponsors!) which we use to raise money for CHAS.
Contact David Allen Tel: +966 2699 0019
Serbia
Belgrade
Following our very successful St Andrew's Day celebrations here in Serbia, serious work has been put into organising our Burns Supper on Sat 2 February 2008. The British Ambassador and his wife will be hosting a gala event in the Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Belgrade. This promises to be a wonderful and entertaining evening –with dinner, Scottish music and dancing (the Residence have even organised Scottish dancing classes!). We will also have an auction, a silent auction and a raffle. There will be 330 guests and all the profits will go to support the local activities of the Save the Children charity.
Contact Dusan Mihajilovic, Media Officer –Head of Public Diplomacy, British Embassy, Belgrade l, Resavska 46 www.britishembassy.gov.uk/serbia
Spain
Barcelona
www.barcelonaburnsclub.com is preparing its inaugural Supper spectacle with a two night back-to-back event (25 Jan in Viladrau and 26 Jan in Barcelona city), featuring the incredible and unforgettable Tam O'Shanter from www.fergusmuirhead.com and City of Barcelona Pipe Band. All guid neebors welcome.
Contact: Mike Thom thom_mike@yahoo.co.uk
USA
Rockford, IL
150th Annual Burns Banque
Saturday 12th January 2008
150th consecutive banquet celebrating the 249th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. Sponsored by The Rockford Burns Club –founded on November 5, 1858. Traditional evening with the Piping O' the Haggis, and entertainment provided by the Clan MacAlpine Bagpipe Band –the 15th oldest in the US –formed in 1912, and highland dancing by the Thistle and Heather Dancers. www.rockfordburnsclub.com
Fort Lauderdale, FL
25th Southeast Florida Scottish Games
Saturday 12th January 2008
The Scottish American Society of South Florida presents. For more information call 954 460 5000 or www.sassf.org
Duluth, MN
Duluth Scottish Heritage Society Burns Night
Saturday 26th January 2008
Kitchi Gammi Club with reception and dinner. Call 218 724 7761
Winter Springs, FL
Central Florida Highland Games
Saturday 19th January 2008
At Central Winds Park –the houses of Edgar Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band. Tannahill Weavers, pipe and drum competition, athletics, highland dancing, clan tents, border collies, vendors, kids games, medieval knights, Scottish food, live music, country dance ball and ceilidh. www.flascot.com
Arcadia, FL
My Heart's in the Highlands
Thursday 24th January 2008
From a humble beginning in a small Florida Coffee café to a grand ballroom setting for The Memphis Scottish Society to the exquisite Charlotte Performing Arts Center. Celtic Heritage Productions have developed a Rabbie Burns concert series now entitled "My Heart's in The Highlands." Affectionately known as The Haggis Bash, this two hour show comes complete with song, dance and guest of honour… the haggis! This years talent includes Marcille Wallis, Matt Miller, Elly Gilmore, Don Pigeon, Jimmy Mitchell and Ann and Cal Lloyd. Info at chp@marcillewallis.com
Memphis, TN
Burns Nicht Dinner
Saturday 26th January 2008
Memphis Scottish Society Burns Night Dinner. 6pm, Woodland Hills ballroom, Cordova, TN. Call 901 757 4200 for reservations by January 19th. www.memphisscots.com
Duluth, MN
Duluth Scottish Heritage Society Burns Night
Saturday 26th January 2008
Kitchi Gammi Club with reception and dinner. Call 218 724 7761
Summit, NJ
7th Annual Burns Night Gala Fundraiser
Monday 28th January 2008
At The Grand Summit Hotel. Info at clancurrie@mail.com
Cranston, RI
45th Annual Robert Burns Supper Dance
Saturday 2nd February 2008
45th Annual Robert Burns Supper Dance, Rhodes Ballroom, Rhode Island. Reservations 401 781 7909
St Paul, MN
Scottish Ramble
Saturday 16th February 2008
The 25th Scottish Ramble features a highland dance competition, clans/organisations, educational presentations, Scottish/Celtic merchandise, a kirkin' of the tartans, living history area, and music. The event is set in the historic Landmark Center, Saturday 10-4, Sunday 12-4. Information at www.scottishramble.org or call 1 952 470 6300
Long Beach, CA
15th Annual Queen Mary Scottish Festival and Games
Saturday 16th February 2008
Info at 562 435 3511 or www.queenmary.com
Phoenix, AZ
Highland Games
Saturday 23rd February 2008
44th Annual Arizona Scottish gathering and Highland Games. Margaret G. Hance Park located on Central Avenue between McDowell Road and Roosevelt Street in central Phoenix. Contact 602 431 0095
Mint Hill, NC
Highland Games
Friday 28th March 2008
Mint Hill Scottish Society Highland Games. Contact Donna Rogers 704 574 9406 or www.minthillscottishsociety.org
Venice, FL
Highland Games
Saturday 29th March 2008
Due to the success of the 2007 games, the 2008 games will be held at Venice Airport grounds. Info at www.sarasotagames.org
Hawaii
Kauai, Annual Burns Supper
This is a birthday celebration of Scotland's most acclaimed poet, Robert Burns, on the grounds of Waimea Plantation Cottages. The Burns Supper celebrates this special man with food, Burns's poetry, and music. A fabulous dinner under the palms follows the pipes and drums. Call tel. 808/338-1427
