8th Annual Newnan Robert Burns Weekend Coming February 3 and 4, 2024 — A Celebration of all things Scottish – especially Robert Burns and Scottish Music!
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, we all hold hands and sing Auld Lang Syne. Who wrote the lyrics to this global tune? Lovers and romantics the world over look into each other’s eyes and whisper, “My luve is like a red, red rose.” Who crafted such a well known elegy to love? The answer is the Scottish poet Robert Burns, forever known as the Bard of Scotland.
Robert Burns, affectionately referred to as “Rabbie,” was born in Ayr, Scotland, Newnan’s sister city! At the end of January each year to honor Burns’ birthday — lovers, romantics, musicians and dancers around the globe hold a rousing good time in his memory. For the 8th year Newnan will host its own celebration — this year on February 3 and 4, 2023 — and everyone’s invited!
There are two events as part of this year’s celebration –
First, the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society will host “A Bonnie Night at the Museum.” An immersive Scottish experience that features scotch tasting in a British pub-like setting, Scottish faire, the “Rabbie” Burns cocktail, Scottish games and activities, fashion, line dancing and live music performed by the Piper Jones Band at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum. Tickets are $40 for members and $46 for non-members. Purchase tickets in person at the museum or over the phone by calling 770-251-0207.
As part of the event at the museum, Kathryn Smith, author of the new book “Methodists and Moonshiners: Another Prohibition Expedition Through the South…with Cocktail Recipes,” presents about the Scots in America and how their tradition of making Scotch whiskey morphed into making bourbon and rye whiskey. She’ll team up with local bagpiper and Scottish aficionado Michael Scott to offer tastings of each type for comparison. Copies of Kathryn’s book, which has many mentions of Newnan, available for purchase.
Then on Sunday, Feb. 4, 4:00 p.m., experience an enchanted trip through Scotland in music with majestic pipes, string instruments and drums at Newnan Presbyterian Church as Piper Jones Band performs sacred and non-sacred tunes that are both introspective and inspiring.
The event, “Capturing the Spirit of Scotland,” is also part 4 of an ongoing music series at NPC. E.J. Jones is a world renown piper and a not to be missed talent. NPC is honored to present a musical performance of this level in Newnan! Tickets are just $20 and may be purchased at newnanpres.org or by stopping by the church office. A limited number of print tickets are also for sale at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum.
For additional event information, please call 770-251-0207 or for more information about the Piper Jones Band, visit https://piperjones.com/
