The Quesnel Pipes and Drums along with the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 94 are once again presenting an Evening with Burns, Jan. 29.
The Legion Hall will be filled with the aroma of roast beef, shortbread, Scotch whisky and of course, Haggis, known as “the great chieftain o’ the puddin’ race”.
The atmosphere will be fuelled with the traditional ceremony, toasts, pipe and drum music and dancing, but the highlight will be the, not to be missed, “Address to the Haggis” delivered very boisterously.
Robert Burns, in his short life, accomplished what few have in a full life. Burns is known the world over for his poetry, his recognition of the day-to-day living of the common man and, of course, the many women in his life.
Each year, on Jan. 25, his life is celebrated in numerous countries across the planet.
He is known as the National Bard of Scotland, but few might know that he had become “the People’s Poet” in Soviet Russia. In 1924 a translation of his work was undertaken by Samuil Marshak and eventually sold more than 600,000 copies.
There are Scottish societies, Burns Clubs, expatriate Scots, military regiments, Masonic Lodges, aficionados of his poetic works and Legion Branches that mark his birthday by hosting Robert Burns Day, Burns Night or “A Nicht w’ Burns”.
A particularly strong tradition of Burns Nights occurs in Dunedin in southern New Zealand, where Burns’ nephew Thomas Burns was the founding father.
Quesnel is fortunate to also have a strong tradition of Burns’ Dinners at the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 94.
For those who have attended previous Burns’ Nights, your return is welcome.
For those who have yet to experience the evening, take this as your invitation to enjoy a “Nicht w’ Burns”.
For ticket information, contact any Pipe Band member or phone Lisa at 250-992-9769.