Ellisland Farm will open its doors on Sunday 21 July for the return of the Summer Fun Day. This family-friendly event promises a day full of entertainment, activities, and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
The Sunny Burns Bash will offer child-friendly activities such as storytelling sessions, traditional games, face painting, arts and craft, live music from local young musicians, and performances from the Dumfries Historic Dance Society. There will also be pay-what-you-feel self-guided tours.
Nestled on the picturesque banks of the River Nith, Ellisland Farm provides the perfect backdrop for a summer picnic. Families are encouraged to bring their own picnic to enjoy on the beautiful poetic grounds of Ellisland. There will also be refreshments and home baking available to purchase on the day.
The Royal Highland Education Trust will be on-site for the day, as a nod to Robert Burns’s farming background.
“We are delighted to invite the community to join us for a day of fun, learning, and celebration at Ellisland Farm,” said Siobhan McDonald, Project Manager of Ellisland Farm and Museum. “Our Summer Fun Day offers a fantastic opportunity for families and individuals to enjoy the beautiful setting of Ellisland, immerse themselves in the history of Robert Burns, and participate in a variety of engaging activities. We’d encourage families to bring a picnic, a blanket and enjoy a lovely day out’.
The first ever Burns supper was held on 21 July 1801, on the fifth anniversary of the death of Robert Burns when nine gentlemen gathered to celebrate the life and works of their friend at his birthplace in Ayrshire. They sang, drank and recited poetry in honour of the bard, and ate a sheep’s head for their celebratory dinner.
According to Clark McGinn, author of The Burns Supper: A Concise History, the annual dinner quickly spread quickly across the country, and abroad, resulting in the globally loved Burns supper where people meet, enjoy good food and celebrate Robert Burns through word and song (minus the sheep’s head).
The tradition of Burns supper is ever-evolving– and Ellisland Farm hopes a more informal approach will encourage more people to celebrate the Bard.
The Sunny Burns Bash is a repeat of a successful event held last summer and is made possible through funding from Museum Galleries Scotland, People’s Postcode Lottery & Historic Environment Scotland. All proceeds from the event will go towards the preservation and upkeep of Ellisland Farm and Museum, ensuring that this historic site can be enjoyed by future generations.
