Celebrate Saint Andrews Day

Be there at 10 o’clock to whet your appetite for all things Scottish with the stirring sound of the City of Dunedin Pipe Band marching through the Octagon. Then sample a diverse range of food and drink from free tastings through to purchasing.

Bracken Recipe Haggis balls with a Whisky Mayonnaise, and a traditional Scottish macaroon bar. Oaty pancakes, haggis pies, shortbread, oatcakes and cheese, along with a special Emersons Scottish Ale of the day “Och Aye The Brew”. Enjoy a wonderful free programme of live entertainment including local artists such as Dunedin Harmony Chorus, Dunedin Scottish Fiddle Orchestra, Mcatgut n Steel, John McGlashan pipe band, Ghillie Callum Club Dancers, Sounds Nor’Easterly community choir, The Two Grumpy Scotsman, Poet David Eggleton, piper Qwenton McKenzie and The Tangle led Bob Scott.

This year we are thrilled to include strongman Jayden Hill in our festivities, who will be lifting the “Stones of Manhood” – not an event for the faint-hearted, as well as offering advice and tips in lifting and strongman activities.

At 11am and 1pm, noted Dunedin author, Neville Peat, will host short guided tours of the Edinburgh Room in the Municipal Chambers, where a magnificent large oil painting captures the moment when young Walter Scott met Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, in Edinburgh in the 1780s. Listen for announcements of the tours in the Octagon on the day. Ever wanted to have a go and play a full set of bagpipes or drums well thanks to Otago school of pipes and drumming all can give it a try through out the day.

Festivities will continue throughout the event and we hope people of all ages will stay for a day filled with lots of fun activities with a Scottish flavour that should not be missed. Tartan wear of any type is encouraged! After immersing yourself in Scottish culture, the activities will conclude with the Lone Piper followed by all in the Octagon joining together in song and music to celebrate St Andrew’s Day and with the spirit of good Scottish “anything can happen” weather, the day’s activities will proceed, wet or fine.