Sunday January 29th, 16h00 – Breestraat 70
Traditionally, Dutch Poetry Week is celebrated in Mayflower Bookshop with a poetry event on the last Sunday of January. This year, Mayflower Bookshop marks the theme of Poetry Week 2023 (friendship) by marking the occasion of Burns’ Night on Sunday January 29th.
Held throughout the world on January 25th (or on a date close to it) Burns’ Night is an event that celebrates the work and life of Robert Burns (born on January 25th 1795), Scotland’s national poet. The first Burns’ Night was initiated in July 1801 when nine of Burns’ close friends got together to mark the fifth anniversary of their friend’s death. Taking place at Burns Cottage in Alloway, the night included a tasty meal (haggis, of course!), performances of Burns’ work and a speech in honour of the great Bard (now known as the Immortal Memory). The night was such a resounding success they decided to hold it again (this time in honour of Rabbie’s birthday), beginning a tradition that is still celebrated by Scots all over the world.
During the Mayflower Burns’ Night, Leo van Zanen will focus on translations of Burns’ work, while Adrian Young will concentrate on Burns’ life and the importance of his work. Folkband ‘Fiddle & Drum will play a nummer of Burns’ ballads and other Scots songs. Also the event will be featuring the reading of some of Burns’ poems.
Don’t miss the Mayflower Burns’ Night!