Robert Burns 250th Anniversary Celebrations
Special Events to Honour the Scottish Bard Rabbie Burns
Nov 14, 2008
Robert "Rabbie" Burns was alive for a mere 37 years but, in that time, he penned several works which ensured his place in literary history. January 25th, 2009 will mark the 250th anniversary of his birthday and fans of the Scottish poet will be celebrating everywhere, nowhere more so than in his native Scotland.
Alloway and Dumfries to Celebrate Robert Burns
Alloway, the small Ayrshire village where Robert Burns was born on January 25th, 1759, will be central to the 250th anniversary celebrations. The Burns National Heritage Park is situated in Alloway and will be holding a Burns Supper on Friday, 23rd January in honour of the Scottish Bard.
Burns spent the last few years of his life in Dumfries, after moving there from a farm at nearby Ellisland. The community will be staging a spectacular fire and light event, called Burns Light. It will involve a lantern procession, fireworks, fire shows, sculptures and live music. Burns Light is being held on Sunday, 25th January 2009, from 3.30pm until 7pm.
Celtic Connections Honours Scottish Poet
Scotland’s annual music extravaganza will be paying its own special tribute to Burns in 2009. Artists will converge from around the world to perform music written by burns and original compositions inspired by the great poet. The performances will take place at various venues throughout Glasgow on January 25th, 2009.
- Jamaican Burns Night - Burns almost ended up in Jamaica early in his life, only deciding to stay in Scotland following the success of his first published works. Jamaican music legends Sly and Robbie will be among the artists performing at the event, offering a unique take on traditional Burns songs. They will be joined by a host of special guests, including Scottish singer/songwriter Edwyn Collins and a calypso steel band. A selection of Jamaican food will also be on offer at the concert.
- Homecoming Scotland Suite - A brand new collection of music commissioned for the 250th anniversary of Burns’ birthday. Eight composers have produced pieces inspired by Burns and they will be performed by a collection of world class musicians, including saxophonists Branford Marsalis and Scotland’s own Tommy Smith.
- Auld Lang Syne - A very special evening at the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, gathering together the biggest names from Scottish folk music. Eddie Reader, Karen Matheson, Michael Marra and Dougie MacLean are just some of those who will be performing songs written by Burns.
Robert Burns to be Commemorated with £2 Coin
In the summer of 2008 Chancellor Alistair Darling announced in parliament that a new £2 coin would be produced to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns. The coin will go into circulation during 2009.
Details of Robert Burns 250th Anniversary Celebrations
Alloway Burns Supper - 23rd January, 2009
Location - Burns National Heritage Park, Alloway
Tickets - £26.95 from www.burnsheritagepark.com
Dumfries Burns Light - 25th January, 2009
Location - Dumfries and surrounding area
Tickets - Free
Jamaican Burns Night at Celtic Connections - 25th January, 2009
Location - Old Fruitmarket, Glasgow
Tickets - £22
Homecoming Scotland Suite at Celtic Connections - 25th January, 2009
Location - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Tickets - £20-24
Auld Lang Syne at Celtic Connections - 25th January, 2009
Location - Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Tickets - £22-24
Tickets for all Celtic Connections events are available from www.celticconnections.com.
How to Organise a Burns Supper
The Scottish Poet Robert Burns
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