This annual mid-winter dinner to celebrate a dead Scottish poet and his ode to a classic sausage in a sheep’s stomach is always of the moment. Here are local events celebrating the bard Robbie Burns.
January 21 2023:
Robbie Burns Dinner
Craigflower Centre
Doors Open 5:00 ― Dinner @ 6:00 pm, with short dance to follow.
A fundraiser in support of the completion of Craigflower Community Centre.
Tickets: jmaxwell@shaw.ca
Kilt or black tie suggested.
January 22, 2023:
Burns Memorial
Beacon Hill Park
Gather at 1:30 pm for a reading of Burns’ poetry during a celebration that includes music and the sharing of heather and is sponsored by Victoria Saltire Society.
Rabbie Burns Concert & Tea
Kirk Hall – 680 Courtney Street
Doors open at 2:00 pm, performance begins at 2:30 pm. Entrance by donation. Presented by The Victoria Scottish Gaelic Choir and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. RSVP at office@standrewsvictoria.ca or 778- 587-1227.
January 25, 2023:
Burns Day at Craigdarroch Castle
11 am – 1 pm. 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”. Regular admission rates apply.
Robbie Burns Night
Bard and Banker
6:00 pm onwards. Celebrations include the address to haggis, pipers, and a traditional menu. Reserve by calling 250-993-9593.
January 28, 2023:
Annual Robbie Burns Dinner
Mary Winspear Community Cultural Centre
Doors open at 5:00 pm, event begins at 6 pm. Expect pipe band performances, Highland Dancers, the Address to the Haggis, a silent auction and more. The event is sponsored by the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band. Tickets are $55 and available by emailing cmcba@shaw.ca.