Upcoming Events › Australia

Presented by Tumbarumba Pipe Band and Khancoban Alpine Inn. A free evening of Celtic and Christmas music, including pipes culminating in Massed Pipe Band performances throughout the evening. Info: Joanne Lorimar 0417 219 743.

Scottish rockers Claymore are bringing together some of their musical mates for a special evening of entertainment with fantastic special guests Colin Lillie, Saoirse, the Hawthorn City Pipe Band and the Glenbrae Celtic Dancers at The Thornbury Theatre, 859 High St. Info: 03 9484 9831 or [email protected]

Wishing all our readers and friends a very Happy Christmas and festive season!

Traditional Scottish celebration – Untraditional Scottish band. Caledonian Castaways are a group of ex-pat Scots drawn from Melbourne’s blues/roots scene. Their original material covers amusing and heart warming stories about their various journeys from Scotland to Australia at Memo Music Hall, 88 Acland St. Info:  https://www.memomusichall.com.au/memo-gig/the-caledonian-castaways-pre-hogmanay-show/

The Scottish Banner wishes all our readers and friends a very Happy Hogmanay and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2019!

Start the year off Scottish at Australia's oldest continuous running sporting event with pipe bands, Scottish dance, stalls and more at Princes Park. Info: 03 5461 1480 or www.highlandsociety.com.au

Poetry is a fascinating and beautiful way in to language and culture. In this half-day seminar, we will read and discuss a selection of Scottish Gaelic poems and songs in Gaelic with English translations. No knowledge of Gaelic is required, at Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt St. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com

A day-long introduction to the culture of the Celts, focussing on bronze-age, iron-age and early medieval language, art and archaeology. Prented by the Australian School of Celtic Learning at Canberra Irish Club, 6 Parkinson St. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com

Celebrate Robert Burns with the Hunter Valley Scots Club at Club Macquarie with food, music and dance. Info: www.huntervalleyscotsclub.org.au

Spend a day looking at early medieval Celtic illuminated manuscripts from the modest Book of Mulling to the extravagant Book of Kells. Our list will include Scotland’s only securely identified example, the Book of Deer, together with better- and lesser-known examples from various parts of Great Britain and Ireland, at Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts, ... Read more

Includes the Address the Haggis, 3 course dinner, music and more at the Fox & Hounds Country Inn, 7 Elevation Dr. Info: 07 5665 7582 or www.foxandhounds.net.au

Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. The tradition of the Burns Night Supper was first held in 1801 by the poet’s friends, five years after his death.

Celebrating the life and works of Scotland’s National Poet, Robert Burns, in poetry, song and dance at Tracy Village Social and Sports Club Bistro, 28 Tambling Tce. Info: Moyston Wright 0487 407 672 or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-of-robert-burns-tickets-52244541831?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Join the City of Hobart Pipe Band to toast the Immortal Memory. Whisky, haggis, bagpipes, The Iain MacLeod Ceilidh Band, dancing for everyone, fine company and excellent craic. Info: www.cohhpb.org.au

Enjoy our traditional Burns Supper Ceilidh, and celebrate the life of Rabbie Burns. Including a traditional supper while you are captivated by the address to the haggis and all the formalities at Ipswich Masonic Lodge, 82A Nicholas St. Info: [email protected] or 0429 362 142.

Eight week course aimed at beginners (and improvers). Learn the basic steps and formations along with some simple but fun Scottish country dances. A great way to keep fit and make friends. No partner required at Fort Street Public School, The Rocks. Info: www.trybooking.com/445875 or Diana, 0413542552, [email protected]

South Queensland Regional Committee of Highland Dancing are once again thrilled to host a fun-filled weekend of highland dancing to kick start your dancing year. An educational, inspirational and social program at Moreton Bay College, Hargreaves Rd, Manly West. Info:   www.highlanddancecomps.com.au

Spend a weekend immersed in Scottish Gaelic at beautiful Callala Beach on the NSW South Coast. Formal Gaelic language classes will be interspersed with gentle walks on the beach, cooking traditional Scottish dishes and enjoying the outdoors – all in Gaelic. No prior knowledge of Gaelic required. Info: www.celticlearningcomau.wordpress.com

St Andrew Society of Hobart will again be holding its annual Highland Gathering on the Village Green, with Pipe Band displays from across Tasmania, Scottish dancing and stalls. Info: Di Cornish 0408 528 658 or [email protected]

The event aims to showcase military bands in both a competition and exhibition format, and pays homage to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo at Longfield Oval Sporting Precinct, Henry St. Info: [email protected] or www.liverpoolplainsmilitarytattoo.com.au

Scots Day Out will be a day filled with fun, tartan, Scottish entertainment and events and it’s free, at Rosalind Park. Info: www.scotsdayout.com

This is a day initiated by The Bagpipe Society to celebrate the world’s many bagpipes and piping traditions. Every March 10th you are invited to go out and play your pipes – anywhere, anyhow to anyone!

One of Victoria’s largest and best Highland Gatherings, presented by the Geelong Highland Gathering Association. Pipe bands, Scottish dance, Clans and more at Goldsworthy Reserve, Goldsworthy Rd. Info: www.geelonghighlandgathering.org.au

Piping session, 3pm - 5:30pm, upstairs at The Last Jar - 616 Elizabeth Street (cnr Queensberry St). Info: [email protected]

Melbourne's only Highland Games with pipe bands, Scottish dancers, dogs, Clan and Scottish stalls at J.W.Manson Reserve, Selkirk Ave. Info: www.ringwoodhighlandgames.org.au or www.facebook.com/ringwoodvictoriaaustralia

The Scots College Pipes and Drums in conjunction with the NSW branch of Pipe Bands Australia are excited to announce the return of the Scottish Highland Gathering to Sydney which will feature Pipe Band competitions, Highland Dancing, the Heavy Lifters (kilt wearing strongmen) and fair featuring stalls selling Scottish goods, fine food, gifts and artisan ... Read more

Australia's largest Scottish event with pipe bands, Clan village, Scottish dancing, music, heavy events, stalls and more-a great day for the entire family in the beautiful Southern Highlands. Info: 02 4883 7471 or www.brigadoon.org.au

The BBC Highland Gathering is a brilliant day with Pipe Bands, Drum Majors, Medieval Re-enactment, Highland Dancing, stalls and more at Brisbane Boys' College. Kensington Terrace. Info: 07 3309 3500 or [email protected]

In the Scottish town of Australia with full pipe band and solo piping competitions, Highland dancers, stalls and more. Info: Mobile: 0429 842 472 or www.macleanhighlandgathering.com.au

Celebrating Celtic culture amongst the Australian Standing Stones with Celtic music, vendors, entertainment and ceremony. 2019 is the Year of Scotland. Info: www.australiancelticfestival.com

Piping session, 3pm - 5:30pm, upstairs at The Last Jar - 616 Elizabeth Street (cnr Queensberry St). Info: [email protected]

Scotland’s finest Celtic soul brothers Craig and Charlie Reid have reached a rarefied status: after three decades they are as innovative as ever and with every album and show played, The Proclaimers continue to garner new fans. Tickets available at venues and all usual outlets. Full tour dates and details at: https://www.themusichouse.com.au/files/tour-detail.php?id=82

Presented by Manning Valley Historical Society a week long program of Scottish themed events including a Scottish concert, Genealogy Fair, Highland Games, Ceilidh and more. Info: John 02 6556 9057 or www.bonnie-wingham-scottish-festival.manninghistorical.org

With great music, guest performers, and lecture series coordinated by the Camperdown Historical Society, Highland Dancing, poetry, Golf Day, Pipes and Drums.  New events will include music workshops and master classes, in-schools music program, dinner at the Masonic Lodge with haggis and Toast to the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns, music and dancing. Info: Chris ... Read more

The Melbourne & District Branch extends a warm invitation to all dancers to meet at University College, College Drive, University of Melbourne, for a fun filled week of Scottish Country Dancing with great teachers and musicians. Info: www.melbourne2019ws.com