Belfast Burns Week Festival

21 January 2017, 18:45, Various, Belfast

Runs to 28 January 2017

The Ulster-Scots Agency is launching a new festival to celebrate the January 25 birthday of Robert Burns.

Belfast Burns week will take place from January 21 to 28, 2017 in various venues across Belfast and will incorporate a programme of drama, poetry, music, concerts and lectures.

The Festival has been launched to highlight the many links between Burns, his family and Ulster from the late 1700’s to the present day.

Friday January 20

The Ulster-Scots Agency are delighted to be working with Hosford, a homeless project of East Belfast Mission.
Together we would like to invite you to a Burns Night on Friday January 20 2017 from 7pm - 9pm.  The celebrations will include Ulster-Scots music by the fantastic traditional folk band, ‘Stonewall’, a dancing performance by Bright Lights Highland Dancers, highland bagpiping by Cameron Beggs and of course superb storytelling and ‘yarns’ of Rabbie Burns by Jim McClean.

This should be a very enjoyable evening and everyone will be made most welcome.  Come along to the Skainos Centre, 241 Newtownards Rd, Belfast, BT4 1AF on Friday January 20 and join the Burns Night celebrations.

Entry is free and everyone is welcome. 

Saturday January 21

7.45pm - 11.00pm - Waterfront Hall, Lanyon Place, Belfast
Burns Concert with the Ulster Orchestra

Monday January 23

12.30pm – 1.30pm Falls Road Library                    
A talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of Robert Burns by Laura Spence

7pm – 8pm, The Factory @ The MAC, Belfast
Robert Burns Live – Christopher Tait performs his one man show ‘Robert Burns Live’ at the MAC theatre. Imagine watching Robert Burns tell his own, unique life story and perform his greatest works. Now you can! Acclaimed Scottish actor, Christopher Tait brings the Bard to life in his one man play, Robert Burns Live. Watch Burns perform his famous poems; To a Mouse, To a Louse and Holy Willie's Prayer. Marvel at the power of Tam O' Shanter or the beauty of a Red, Red Rose. 
This event is free however booking is essential – to receive your ticket please email cholmes@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk

Tuesday January 24

12.30pm – 1.30pm Saintfield Library                     
A talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of Robert Burns by Laura Spence

12.30pm – 1.30pm Ballyhackamore Library            
Burns and the Ulster Connection – A talk

6.30pm – 7.30pm Banbridge Library                      
A talk on the history and poetry of Robert Burns by Matthew Warwick

Wednesday January 25

12.00pm – 12.50pm Discover Ulster Scots Centre - PLEASE NOTE TIME CHANGE FROM EARLIER ADVERTISING
A talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of Robert Burns by Laura Spence

1pm - 2pm, Black Box, Belfast
Rabbie Burns Lunch by Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival                   

1pm - 2pm Linen Hall Library 
Andrew Gibson Memorial Lecture, Utterly Compelling: the Gibson Collection and Robert Burns, with Dr Carol Baraniuk 

2pm - 4pm - Cregagh Road Library
Language officer for the Ulster Scots Agency, Gary Blair will be the speaker for this unique event at Cregagh Road Library and will provide an overview of Robert Burns, his works and read some poetry. Piper (Andy McGregor) and Ulster Scots band KasK will also be in attendance providing audiences with a chance to sing some Burns songs and play some traditional music. Spaces are limited at this event - please email cregagh.library@librariesni.org.uk or telephone 028 9040 1365 to secure your space.

6pm - Late - Holohans Pantry
Join us for Burns supper and music celebrating the life and work of Robert Burns and all things Scottish with compulsory haggis tasting and whiskey swilling!!  Enjoy our 3 course Scots supper for only £30pp with a complimentary glass of scotch and fantastic entertainment all evening from the Holohan Sisters and surprise guests! Call 90291103 or book on ResDiary https://www.resdiary.com/Restaurant/HolohansPantry. The event starts at 7pm with tables available to book from 6pm. Please book to avoid disappointment and secure your table for the evening! 

7pm – 9pm Linen Hall Library
Burns Night at the Linen Hall Library
This event is free however booking is essential – to receive your ticket please email cholmes@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk

Thursday January 26 

12.30pm – 1.30pm Dundonald Library                  
A talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of Robert Burns by Laura Spence

7pm – 9.30pm Discover Ulster-Scots Centre
Open music session playing the music of Burns and his collections amongst other pieces. 
This event is also open to audience members who do not wish to participate in playing music.  All musicians and non-musicians welcome.  Light refreshments will be available.

Friday January 27 

12.30pm – 1.30pm Glengormley Library                    
A talk on The Life, Loves and Legacy of Robert Burns by Laura Spence

12.30pm – 1.30pm Discover Ulster Scots Centre                  
Burns and the Ulster Connection, - A Talk