2020 Virtual Festival Celebrating Connections Old and New!

Hello to the good people of Camperdown and greetings from Dumfries and Galloway, the last home of our beloved poet Robert Burns.

I can honestly say I still treasure the five days I spent in Camperdown in 2013 as a guest at the Festival. The things that made it special were:

• the incredible story of the statue and the heroic efforts of Gordon Ashley in getting it properly recognised and restored.
• The wonderful hosting by John Menzies and his delightful wife Carolyn at their beautiful home overlooking Bullen Merri.
• Learning about the resurgence of interest in the history of the area and particularly about the prominent Scots, such as the MacArthur family, who formed major part of that story. 
• The shear joy of the musical events in and around the town featuring the likes of Luke Plumb, Peter Daffy and the lovely Fiona Ross culminating in a memorable finale concert involving the Victoria Police Pipe band and the Melbourne Fiddle Orchestra.
• The ‘Songs of Robert Burns’ event at the Court House when I had the privilege of choosing and introducing 10 songs sung by Don Grieve and Angela Preiss.
• Above all it was the warm hospitality extended by everyone I met, a sheer joy.

I am delighted the Festival has gone from strength to strength and is now established as a major feature in the worldwide celebration of the life and works of Burns. As Editor of the Robert Burns World Federation’s Newsletter, I take great pleasure in reporting on the event to acknowledge the worldwide appeal of the Bard.

This virtual Festival is a great idea but can in no way match the memorable personal contact I enjoyed during my visit.

Sending you my very best wishes, Mike Duguid