It’ll be a night to remember, with live music, Ceilidh dancing, poetry, traditional toasts and of course the haggis, being piped in by a world renowned bag piper.
It’s the 10th annual Robbie Burns Supper and Ceilidh Dance, honouring Scotland’s most celebrated poet and songwriter on Jan. 21. The event, organized by the Beaton family and friends, is a fundraiser for cancer research and judging by its popularity in the past this year’s event will sell out quickly.
John Beaton said it is a fun evening for a great cause.
Guests can enjoy some short, entertaining speeches, including a toast to the lassies (whom Burns adored) and an address to the haggis — a dish containing sheep’s heart, liver and lungs and traditionally simmered in the animals stomach, and hailed as a Scottish delicacy.
Beaton said there will be other food options. There will also be a silent auction and cash bar. Dinner will be followed by a performance from Celtic Chaos, a local traditional band known for playing energetic jigs.
Beaton said you don’t have to be a Scottish dance pro to hit the floor … there will be some instruction for the Ceilidh dances.
“It’s Scottish Country dancing and it is fairly easy,” Beaton said.
All the proceeds from the event will go to the BC Cancer Foundation and the Mid-Island Abreast of Life Dragon Boat Team. So far the Beatons have raised $50,000. Beaton, whose father died of cancer 11 years ago, is hoping the event will be a sell-out again and ticket prices remain at $40.
The event is Sat., Jan. 21, 6 p.m. at the Qualicum Beach Community Hall. Tickets are available from the Vintage Candy Shop and Brit Foods in Parksville.
