Waimate Hosts Concert to Honor Poet Robert Burns’ Legacy

A concert celebrating the legacy of the esteemed Scottish poet Robert Burns will take place at the Waimate High School Perry Hall on January 31, 2025, starting at 19:30 local time. This event marks the 266th anniversary of Burns’ birth in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland, on January 25, 1759. As one of Scotland’s most iconic literary figures, Burns’ contributions to poetry continue to resonate and inspire artists around the globe.

The evening will feature performances by the Midlands Choir, composed of men and women from the Mid and South Canterbury region. Their involvement underscores the community’s dedication to honoring Burns’ literary influence.

In addition to the choir, attendees can look forward to a variety of performances. The Waimate Highland Pipe Band will provide traditional Scottish music, while local talents will showcase their skills. Highlights include performances by Kate Schumacher, a skilled Highland dancer, and various musicians such as Clare Luckman on piano, Dougall McLachlan and Jean Barkman as vocalists, and Ewan Penny on violin, all hailing from Dunedin.

The concert aims to celebrate not just Burns’ poetry but also his cultural significance, inviting the public to partake in traditional Scottish fare, including a taste of haggis, during the supper provided. This gathering promises to be an engaging tribute to a poet whose works have shaped literature and culture for centuries.

As the evening unfolds, attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on Burns’ profound impact, making this event not only a celebration but also a communal experience of remembrance and appreciation for a celebrated literary figure.