The life and times of Scotland’s favourite poet will be celebrated on Sunday, January 23 from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Robbie Burns Day to be held at Norfolk Street United Church. Those who enjoy all things Scottish will be entertained with special talks, music, highland dancing, spinning and weaving, calligraphy, traditional food (here’s a great chance to try haggis!), and lots of family activities. Capping off the afternoon will be the opportunity for everyone to join in Ceilidh dancing featuring the Riverside Celtic College Celtic Ensemble and Ceilidh caller Kari Kokko.
A full itinerary of special presentations continues throughout the afternoon. Starting at 1:15 pm, the haggis will be piped in and Don Dewar will entertain with a presentation of Ode to a Haggis. At 1:30 pm, enjoy a talk on The History of Scottish Bagpipes by Robin Aggus followed at 2 pm with a lecture entitled 21st Celtic Folkways: The Evolution of Transferred Ways with Lynn Boland Richardson. At 2:30 pm, members of the award-winning Mary Ellen Cann School of Highland Dance will perform. Throughout the afternoon students from Riverside Celtic College will entertain with Scottish music. Ongoing will be demonstrations and displays organized by local groups who continue to keep alive the traditions of Scotland. They include representatives from the Guelph Pipe Band, the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, the Guelph Guild of Handweavers and Spinners, The Royal City Calligraphy Guild, and the Centre for Scottish Studies at the University of Guelph. Visitors will also enjoy sampling haggis and oatcakes and participating in the many hands-on activities planned for the day.
Norfolk Street United Church is located at 75 Norfolk St. (corner of Norfolk and Cork). Cash only admission for this event: Adults- $6.00, Seniors, Students and Children - $4.00, Families $12.00. Please contact Guelph Museums at 519-836-1221 or visit guelph.ca/museum for more information.
