Homecoming Scotland 2009 in Annan

Annan Homecoming > Events

The Annan Burns Festival (19-21 June) Report Annandale Observer, 26 June 2009

THE BARD would have been proud, that is the view of an Annan High Jinks member after a successful Home coming Burns Festival in Annan at the weekend.

Fans of the acclaimed Scots poet were treated to a spectacular calendar of events over the weekend ranging from music to poetry and even historic facts to boot.

International star Emily Smith kicked off the proceedings on Friday evening with a sensational concert in Annan Ex-Service Club, to the delight of fans and organisers alike.

And Annan Young Citizen of the Year Alexa Reive also carried out her official duties as she presented grand prizes to members of the audience throughout the event.

Next up was the Annan Homecoming Burns Craft Fayre in the Market Hall on Saturday and a coffee morning upstairs in the Victoria Hall complex.

This was then followed be a cello performance by Alex McQuiston and a spectacular set by Galloway Folk in the Blue Bell Inn to a packed audience.

Hot on their heels on Sunday was an organised walk in the footsteps of Robert Burns to which more than 45 walkers turned out in force. After departing from Murray Street car park they enjoyed singing by Joyce Wylie and historic facts by Jim Hawkins.

And the festivities ended on a high with a lively show from young six-piece live band `More from Jim'.

Joyce Wylie, member of co organisers Annan High Jinks, said Annan had embraced the Homecoming theme, and added:

"The event went very well with a great start from Emily Smith and ended on a high with More from Jim.

"It was definitely well worth it and was a great success and I'm sure Robert Burns would have been really proud if he had been alive today."