This annual mid-winter dinner to celebrate a dead Scottish poet and his ode to a classic sausage in a sheep’s stomach is actually rather of the moment. Here are local events celebrating the bard Robbie Burns.
Saturday, January 21
14th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner
Sponsored by Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band
5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
Mary Winspear Community Cultural Centre
2243 Beacon Ave. W, Sidney. Tickets $55. Cash bar.
For info and tickets, go to:gvppb.com/events/burns-dinner-silent-auction
Sunday, January 22
Burns Memorial
2 p.m.
Organised by Saltire Society of Victoria
Brief ceremony with piping and readings at the Burns Statue in Beacon Hill Park (located across from the Petting Zoo).
Wednesday, January 25th
Burns Day at Craigdarroch
11am-1pm
Celebrate Robert burns and his legacy of pride in Scottish identity and culture. All are welcome, and these activities will be included with the normal cost of admission to Craigdarroch, with no reservations required. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear their kilts, sporrans and belted plaids, and the ladies their earasaids, tartan skirts and ghillies to show their pride. The castle’s halls will ring with the modern, upbeat Celtic music of Cookeilidh. At 12pm, the haggis will be piped in and the traditional “address to a haggis” will be delivered, followed by an opportunity for everyone to have a wee taste of the “great chieftain of the sausage race”.
Wednesday, January 25
Celebrating the Bard at Victoria Caledonian Distillery
Victoria Caledonian will host the first annual Burns Dinner featuring a five course dinner paired with five of the distillery’s exclusive guest whiskies.
The Bill ‘o Fare includes traditional fare including Cock-a-leekie soup, haggis, neeps and tatties, Roast Beef, Roast Yams, Seasonal Vegetables and millionaires shortbread.
Each guest will receive a bottle of Twa Dogs beer, crafted and named in honour of the Bard.
Tickets $89 including taxes.
For details and tickets visit victoriacaledonian.com.
Wednesday, January 25
Robbie Burns Day at the Bard and Banker
A full pipe band will be playing, along with an Address to the Haggis. Haggis will also be on the menu all day.
bardandbanker.com/
Saturday, January 28
Burns Dinner
Sponsored by the Sons of Scotland Benevolent Association
Cocktails (no host bar) 6:00 pm
Dinner – 6:30 pm
Howard Johnson Hotel
4670 Elk Lake Drive
Dress – Highland or dressy
Tickets $40.00, Cash Bar.
For info and tickets contact Irene at kifeir@shaw.ca or 250 652-5773