Fundraiser dinner Robbie Burns Night returns to Kamloops this weekend

Photo: Heather Hamilton

Highland dancers and pipers at a previous Robbie Burns Night. The fundraising event will return to Columbo Lodge on Jan. 28 after a three-year break due to the pandemic.

The Kamloops Highland Games Society is hosting a traditional Scottish dinner event to celebrate famous poet Robbie Burns.

According to organizer Heather Hamilton, the annual Robbie Burns Night will return on Jan. 28 for its 134th year running in Kamloops. The event took a three year break due to COVID-19.

Hamilton said attendees can expect a fun-filled evening at the Columbo Lodge, complete with a traditional Scottish roast beef dinner and performances from the award-winning Kamloops Pipe Band and Highland dancers.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with cocktails and entertainment.

"There's a few schools involved, they’ve been practicing for months in preparation for Robbie Burns Day. And little ones, from three years right up to adults will be performing traditional Highland dancing,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton said Kamloops athlete Greg Stewart, who won gold in men’s shot put at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, will be the honorary haggis-bearer.

The event will include traditional Burns toasts and an Ode to Robbie Burns before a traditional Scottish roast beef dinner, complete with haggis, mashed potatoes and turnips, along with several other side dishes and desserts.

Robbie Burns Night is a fundraising event, with proceeds from ticket sales going to support Kamloops’ Highland Games, held in July at Albert McGowan Park.

Tickets for Robbie Burns Night are $75 for adults, $45 for children and $65 for seniors aged 65 and older.

Residents must purchase tickets before the event from one of three locations — Kamloops Florist at 605 Victoria St., Overland Press at 441 Tranquille Rd. or Footprints Eco Store on Hillside Drive.

More information can be found on the Kamloops Highland Games Society Facebook page.