When you think of events organised to celebrate Robert Burns you tend to think of formal dinners, when everyone gets dressed up to the nines and waxes lyrical about the Bard. In Inverness, they’re going to celebrate in a much more lively way, thanks to Eden Court’s creative team.
It has organised a host of events for this Sunday, January 25, including a haggis hoedown in the city’s Falcon Square with members of Inverness Youth Pipe Band providing the music. The band will then lead a procession from the city-centre square to the riverside theatre, where activities taking place include bite-size performances inspired by the Beasts of Burns’ poetry performed by drama, dance and music groups from all over the Highlands.
There will also be a selection of Scottish food and drink stalls from local suppliers on offer, and a special Burns night menu in the theatre’s restaurant from 5pm. Having been inspired by the Bard, those attending will be invited to take part in a grand Burns ceilidh, at which you can dance along with a haggis to music from the Tattie Band and take part in classic Scottish dances such as the Dashing White Sergeant and Strip the Willow.
The event is part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals, a programme of events managed by EventScotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. The parade and hoedown start from 6.45pm and are free of charge. Tickets for the Eden Court events, which start at 7.45pm, are priced at £4. Contact 01463 234234 or visit www.scotland.org/winter