Ready for Robbie Burns nights

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Geordie Young prepares for Robbie Burns Night

On Saturday night, Geordie Young will put on a kilt, pack up his bagpipes and head out to celebrate the life of Robbie Burns.

Young, pipe major for the Okanagan Caledonian Pipe Band Society and other band members will perform at the Robbie Burns Night at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 40, one of several celebrations to be held in the Penticton area.

"Robbie Burns was one of the most prominent poets in history and one of the most famous figures in Scottish history, so it’s a pretty big deal all over the world,” said Young. "I have celebrated his life since I was 11, here in Penticton."

Burns was born Jan. 25, 1759 in Ayrshire, Scotland and grew up in poverty.

His interest in poetry was sparked as a teenager and he continued to write throughout his life.

Among his most famous poems are "Auld Lang Syne," traditionally sung on New Year's Eve, "A  Red, Red Rose" and "To a Mouse."

At Saturday's legion event his life will be discussed in addition to performances by the pipe band, Highland dancers and Celtic singers.

"It is a nice festive occasion," said Young. "For some people it's actually an education, they have heard of Burns and some of his famous poems, but you don't really know the man until you go to a Burns night."

Tickets for the Penticton legion event cost $30.

Robbie Burns Night at the Shatford Centre in Penticton will be held Jan. 26.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the Fiddle Kids, Naramata Scottish Country Dancers, Summerland Pipes and Drums and music with Liz Lupton, Bob Moss and Kristi Lind.

Tickets cost $40..

Summerland Pipes and Drums will hold a Robbie Burns Night on Friday, Jan. 25 at the Summerland Legion.

The festivities begin at 6:30 p.m. with a dinner, followed by entertainment from the pipe band.

Tickets are $20.