The life and times of Scotland’s favourite poet will be celebrated at Robbie Burns Day at Guelph Civic Museum on Jan 18 from 1 to 4:30pm.
Those who enjoy all things Scottish will be entertained with special talks, music, Highland dancing, spinning and weaving, calligraphy, traditional food (haggis), and family activities.
A full itinerary of special presentations continues all afternoon. Starting at 1:15 pm, the haggis will be piped in and Don Macrae will present Ode to a Haggis.
At 1:30pm, there is a lecture Burns on his 250th Birthday by Graeme Morton, Scottish Studies, University of Guelph; at 2:15pm, members of the Mary Ellen Cann School of Highland Dance will perform; and at 3pm Lynn Boland-Richardson will speak on The Fairy Flag of Dunvegan.
All afternoon, students from Riverside Celtic College will entertain with Scottish music.
Demonstrations and displays organized by local groups will keep alive the traditions of Scotland. They include representatives from the Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, the Guelph Guild of Handweavers and Spinners, The Royal City Calligraphy Guild and Scottish Studies from the University of Guelph.
Visitors can sample haggis and oatcakes and participate in many hands-on activities.
Burns’s love of Scotland, its language and people, continues to endear him to Scots around the world.
Guelph Civic Museum is located at 6 Dublin Street South.
Admission is: adults, $6; seniors, students and children – $4; families $12 (Guelph Museum members pay half price).
Contact Guelph Museums at 836-1221 or visit guelph.ca/museum for more information.
