Community
18 December, 2025
Dates set for Burns Fest
THE Robert Burns Celtic Scottish Festival Committee have announced the dates for next year’s event, with an event slated for January for those keen to get into the Celtic spirit early.
The festival will be held from June 26 to June 28, with a special Burns Beyond event scheduled for January 25.
Festival chair Dr John Menzies OAM said the Burns Beyond event, which will be held at the Camperdown Botanic Gardens from 4-6pm, will feature highland dancing, an address to the haggis, singing, poetry and bagpipes.
“Entry to the gardens is a gold coin donation, and raffles will be held throughout the day,” he said.
“I am delighted to announce that the Melbourne Pipes and Drums Band will be performing at the 2026 festival.
“Returning to Camperdown also in next year’s festival program is the Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club and The Melbourne Welsh Male Choir.
“To have all three performing at the festival next June is a real coup for the committee, all have performed internationally as well as nationally, and to have all three performing in Camperdown at the festival next year is a very special treat.
“Patrons will experience a program offering wonderful musicians travelling to Camperdown to also includes and confirmed for 2026 The Raglins, Fiona Ross, Tolka, Pete Daffy and Band, Harpistry, John Corby and Anne Daffy, the Twa Bards, Merran and Pete Moir, The Victorian Piping Solo competition, Tuniversal Band, The Warrnambool Pipes and Drums and the Lakes and Craters Band.”
Dr Menzies OAM said festival coordinators Catherine O’Flynn and Jordy Hickey had been busy booking other performers and bands for next year’s festival.
“The festival program will also have the Friday night dinner at the Theatre Royal, the history talks on Saturday, concerts at various venues and visiting choirs,” he said.
“There will also be market stalls on Saturday and Sunday, highland dancing and Irish dancers, whisky tasting, a shortbread competition, displays at the Camperdown Heritage Centre and the Masonic Hall and free entertainment and events over the weekend for the public – including Wee Stories and Activities at the Camperdown Library for the kids, and for the golfers the Burns Ambrose at the Camperdown Golf Club.
“Robert Burns Celtic Festival is a winter literary and music festival, celebrating Scotland’s national poet and the Celtic culture in poetry, song, music and dance, in and around the historic buildings of Camperdown.
“The Robert Burns Celtic Committee are working to bring the community and visitors to our unique festival held in Camperdown, organised by community volunteers and supporting local community organisations and local sponsors.”
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