Upcoming events.
The Robert Burns World Federation hosts many events throughout the year to fulfil its core objectives of educating, celebrating and promoting the life and legacy of the bard.
Burns Night in Continental Europe
BURNS NIGHTS IN CONTINENTAL EUROPE:
- Austria, Robert Burns Society Austria, 25 Jan, Schutzhaus Zukunft auf der Schmelz, Verlängerte Guntherstraße, Wien.
- Belgium, Unity Bookshop, 25 Jan, Chau. De Wavre 331, Etterbeek, Brussels.
- Denmark, St. Andrew’s Society of Denmark, 24 Jan, Frimurerlogen, Smallegade 33, Frederiksberg, Copenhagen.
- Estonia, British-Estonian Chamber of Commerce, 23 Jan, Restaurant Maikrahv, Tallinn.
- France, Caledonian Society of France, 23 Jan, La Bellevilloise, Paris.
- Germany, Campus Mainz and Scotland Hub der Uni Mainz, 17 Jan, JGU Alte Mensa, Mainz.
- Germany, Robert-Burns-Nacht 2026 mit Feinbrand Veranstaltungen, 24 Jan, Gartenlokal des KGV Seilbahn, Leipzig.
- Germany, The Munich Caledonians, 24 Jan, The Pfarrheim St. Rupert, München.
- Germany, Scottish Culture Club Peine, 31 Jan, Tandure im Burger.Jagr-Heim, BeethovenStraße 6, Peine.
- Italy, The Highlander pub, 25 Jan, Vicolo di S. Biagio, Rome.
- Italy, Rest Giro di Boa 2, 25 Jan, Barga.
- Hungary, Robert Burns International Foundation, 24 Jan, Corinthia Hotel, Budapest.
- Netherlands, St Andrew's Society of the Netherlands. 23 Jan, The Leonardo Royal Den Haag Promenade Hotel, Van Stolkweg 1, 2585 JL Den Haag.
- Norway, The Caledonian Society of Norway, 24 Jan, Schafteløkken, Oslo.
- Norway, Bergen Scottish Society, 24 Jan, Bryggen Tracteursted, Bergen.
- Portugal, The Cascais Burns Club, 28 Jan, Mercado da Vila, Cascais.
- Portugal, St Andrew's Society Lisbon, 14 Feb, Estalagem Muchaxo, Guincho, Cascais.
- Spain, British Spanish Society, 24 Jan, Hotel Melia Princesa, Calle de la Princesa 27, Moncloa Aravaca, Madrid.
- Sweden, The Caledonian Society of Sweden, 24 Jan, Officers’ Mess of Livgardets Dragoner, Lidingövägen 28, Stockholm.
- Türkiye, Fethiye Scottish Dance Club and Fethiye Rotary Club,16 Jan. Aymes Hotel, Çaliş.
Burns Club Museum Visits
On Saturday 24th January 2025 we are offering Burns Clubs the opportunity to visit our site and enjoy a curator-led tour of the site followed by refreshments in our barn all included in the price of usual entry. If you would like to book in for a tour, please reply to this email events@ellislandfarm.co.uk or call Ellisland Museum & Farm at 01387740426. More information can also be found on the flyer attached to this email.
I hope to welcome you to Ellisland Farm this Burns Season and thank you for your support as we work to Save the Home of Auld Lang Syne.
Best wishes,
Katie MacDonald
Project Officer
Robert Burns Ellisland Trust
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Nicht Wi’ Burns Invitation
Guid friends an’ Bonnie lassies,
Ye are kindly bidden tae a nicht o’ guid cheer an’ gallant company, whaur we’ll gie due honour tae Scotland’s ain bard, Rabbie Burns, the Bard o’ Ayrshire.
Date: Saturday, the 24th o’ January 2026
Time: Gatherin’ at five in the evenin’
Place: Oak Lawn Hilton, Oak Lawn, Illinois
Come enjoy the skirl o’ the pipes, the Address tae the Haggis, guid hearty fare, an’ drams o’ the finest whisky, a’ in celebration o’ the Bard an’ his timeless verse.
We’ll also have a braw nicht enjoyin’ the bonnie Thistle an’ Heather dancers, wi’ a’ their grace, colour, an’ high‑steppin’ flair. Come see the skirts swirl, the ankles fly, an’ the tartan lilt tae the skirl o’ the pipes an’ the lilt o’ the fiddle.
We’d be fair delighted if ye’d no’ just watch, but step oot yersel’ an’ join in the Scottish country dances. Whether ye’re a seasoned reel‑dancer or a complete newcomer, there’ll be friendly guidance, simple steps, an’ plenty o’ laughter as we tak’ hands, cross the set, and wheel roond the floor thegither.
Bring yer smilin’ face, yer lightest feet, an’ a heart ready for merriment, an’ share in a nicht o’ guid company, fine music, an’ the true spirit o’ Scotland.
Kindly let us ken if ye’ll be in attendance as soon as possible, sae a seat may be reserved for ye at the board.
Wi’ a warm welcome awaitin’ ye,
Yours aye,
The Nicht Wi’ Burns Committee
Slàinte mhath!
Please forward this invitation to all that might enjoy a Nicht Wi' Robert Burns.
See attached invitation for complete details.
One thousand pardons if you have already sent in your reservation.
Please email nichtwiburns@gmail.com for more details.
Invitation to Celebrate the Bard's birth - 25 January 2026
Ayr Burns Club – for honest men and bonnie lasses
Invitation to Celebrate the Bard's birth - 25 January 2026
Dear Friend of Burns
On the twenty fifth day o'January, we gather in honour o' Scotland's ain Bard, Robert Burns, wha's words hae warmed hairts for centuries.
Ye are cordially invited tae join us for this grand occasion:
Service at the Auld Kirk o' Ayr – 1045 for 1100 in the morn
Floral Tributes at Burns Statue Square then
Refreshment, sangs an' clatter in Auld Kirk o' Ayr, doonstairs hall.
Come share guid company, guid cheer, and guid verse, as we keep the spirit o' Burns alive. Yet, like a wee timorous beastie, our Club is in peril – low numbers threaten its very existence. Your presence and support will help ensure the flame o'Burns burns bright in Ayr for years tae come.
RSVP by 15 January – your word o' acceptance will be a boon indeed. Email us via SecretaryAyrBurnsClub@mail.scot or WhatsApp 0044 77513 12513.
Let us honour the Bard wi' heart and voice, and may friendship and mirth be the toast o' the day!
Then let us a' unite in sang, wi' mirth and kindly cheer
For Burns's name shall live fu' lang, while Scots hae hearts sincere.
Wi' warm regards and hope
Lorrie Headley
Honorary President, Ayr Burns Club
Robert Burns Ball
Non Such dance are hosting in 2026, their Golden Anniversary year, a Burns Midsummer Ball in Dumfries on Sunday 21st June 2026. Where there will be dances to the tunes that inspired the songs of Robert Burns (1759-1796)
Learn the dances at an afternoon workshop from 2pm to 5pm.Evening Ball from 7pm
An invitation to hear the Burns Family Flute
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust invites you as a special guest to attend Saving the Home of Auld Lang Syne at the Theatre Royal Dumfries. This very special event offers a rare opportunity to hear the recently restored Burns Family Flute, played in Dumfries for the first time in more than 150 years. The flute, which belonged to the poet’s son, James Glencairn Burns, is a prized object from the collection at Robert Burns Ellisland Museum & Farm. It was unable to be played until a recent restoration project.
Award winning singer, Robyn Stapleton, flautist Claire Mann and harpist Wendy Stewart, will perform a selection of Burns's finest works from his time at Ellisland, which he described as “sweet poetic ground”, and where he wrote 130 poems and songs.
The Trust has launched an international fundraising campaign to restore the cottage and farmstead. It was built by Burns in 1788, and remains by far his most authentic home. It is in urgent need of repair and requires sensitive improvements to make it more accessible and attractive to new audiences.
Ellisland’s director, Joan McAlpine and our curator, Adam Dickson, will share the trust's ambitious vision to make Ellisland Farm a self-sustaining visitor destination that will contribute to economic prosperity and wellbeing in Dumfries and Galloway.
This is set to be a momentous occasion, bringing the magic of Burns back to the Theatre Royal Dumfries - a venue he supported and wrote material for himself. Come along, enjoy an hour of superb music, and learn more about our plans to Save the Home of Auld Lang Syne.
Saturday 17th January
Doors 2:00pm, show starts 2:30pm
Dumfries Theatre Royal, 70 Shakespeare Street, DG1 2JH
Please RSVP to events@ellislandfarm.co.uk by Friday 9th January 2026.
Best wishes,
Katie MacDonald
Project Officer for Events, Engagement and Visitor Services
Robert Burns Ellisland Trust
Dumfries Burns Club Poet in Residence evening at the Robert Burns Centre
Dumfries Burns Club Poet in Residence evening at the Robert Burns Centre
December 11th
7pm
Dumfries Burns Club are delighted to present their third annual, highly popular Poet in Residence evening at the Robert Burns Centre. This event on December 11th will bring together some of the shining talents of the region. Joe our poet is very excited to be leading such an event which promises to be a fantastic night. So please come along relax and enjoy yourself in the company of friends. So hot it Burns.
Teas, coffees, biscuits and mince pies will be available on the night. Cash donations welcome.
This is a free event, but booking is essential to guarantee your place.
Open to non-members, everyone welcome.
No 0 Club Event on the 29th November 2025 2-5pm for a Scottish Afternoon with professional singer Euan Russell,
Join us for a Scottish afternoon with Toons, Tales & Laughter to celebrate with food and entertainment. Please contact Barrie Cross (Secretary) Tel 01563 528695 Mob 07932002821 email hadyncross@hotmail.co.uk for tickets (£15)
St Andrew’s Night Dinner
St Andrew’s Night Dinner
Music, poetry, song, great food and atmosphere guaranteed
November 28th
Bonnie Bistro, Dumfries
£28 per person
Booking essential – email dumfriesmuseum@dumgal.gov.uk or phone 01387 253374
Scottish Singing Competition
In association with The Caledonian Club and the Robert Burns World Federation, the Burns Club of London is holding their first ever Scottish Singing Competition
Talented young singers from across the UK and beyond will be competing for the Meikle trophy along with cash prizes and opportunities to sing for London audiences in the year ahead.
Come and join us to support these young people and see the emerging talents in the field of Scottish Song. The judging panel comprises Alan Beck (Past President RBWF and accomplished tenor), Calum Fraser (choir master and music teacher) and Isla St Clair (well-known Scottish folk singer and TV presenter).
Tickets cost £20 (students £5) and are available via the following link
Scots Language Strategy - Invitation tae Burns Clubs an Associations tae the Oor Vyce Gaitherin
Jyne us for a powerful day where the Scots-speaking community comes thegither at Edinburgh’s Scottish Storytelling Centre. This year’s Gaitherin will shine a licht on fostering connections, breaking doon barriers, and celebrating creativity and representation in Scots. Community voices, especially those fae hard-to-reach areas and new learners o the leid, will be front and centre, and every dialect and background will be amplified.
With representatives from the Scottish Government playin an active role throughout the day, this is a rare and timely opportunity for community voices tae shape the ongoing national strategy for Scots language policy. Jyne us and help drive practical action, share ideas, and mak yer ain vyce heard as we shape the future of Scots together.
Whether ye’re fluent, learning, or passionate aboot oor Leid, help us celebrate the vitality an diversity of Scots through inspiring keynote talks, dynamic workshops, performances - and open dialogue wi government, artists, and grassroots campaigners.
What's Happenin Fan...
09:30–10:10 Registration and networking with tea and coffee
10:15–10:45 Welcome and opening addresses, including Kate Forbes MSP
10:45–11:05 Keynote: Wullie Hershaw
11:10–11:40 Performance: Grace Skinner
11:45–12:30 Morning workshops
12:30–13:30 Lunch break and networking
13:35–13:55 Performance: Jimmy Williamson
14:00–14:25 Keynote: Davie Donaldson
14:30–15:15 Afternoon workshops
15:30–16:00 Panel event: Looking at the role of Scots and indigenous languages in community identity
16:05–16:25 Performance: Peter Mackay, Scotland's Makar
16:25–16:40 Closing remarks
Notes: the agenda is subject tae change, as we firm things up! Tea & coffee throughout the day is includit wi yer ticket. Denner isna includit, but ye can buy fae the Haggis Box café, or bring yer ain wi ye.
Pit on in pairtnership wi TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland), wi support fae the Scottish Government and the Open University.
Booking Information
This event is ticketed on a Pay What You Can basis. Please click below.
Annual Coffee Morning
Greenock burns Club (The Mother Club) are holding their annual coffee morning in the Greenock Town Hall Saloon on Saturday 25th October from 10.00am to 12.00 noon and admission is a very reasonable £4.00.
This is our fundraiser to support the Inverclyde Secondary Schools Burns Supper, one of the highlights of the local Burns calendar. In addition to the coffee and cakes there will be a raffle, bottle stall, jewelry stall, home baking and other stalls, including one from the federation and our ever-popular archive stall.
We will also be entertained by performances from some of our leading young Burnsians, which will be a highlight of the morning.
Please come along and support us if you are able to. We look forward to welcoming you.
Annual Conference
The Robert Burns World Federation Conference will be held in Kilmarnock over the weekend of Friday 5th ~ Sunday 7th September. A full programme of activities, lectures, shop and Annual General Meeting will be held. For further details contact admin@rbwf.org.uk
1st Edition Festival 19th July - 27 July 2025
!st Edition Festival 19th July to 27th July 2025 inclusive
Lasses Lunch
Join us at the Lasses Lunch.
£33 per person, please contact Jane Brown at jane.brown27@btinternet.com to book
Annual Conference
The Robert Burns World Federation Conference will be held in Irvine over the weekend of Friday 13th ~ Sunday 15th September. A full programme of activities, lectures, shop and Annual General Meeting will be held. For further detail contact admin@rbwf.org.uk