Events Calendar

This is a commenmoration of the 700th Anniversary The Battle of Bannockburn staged in Bannockburn, Central Otago.

Tickets for all events will be on sale from Wednesday 4th Juneat the Cromwell i-Site, 47 The Mall, Cromwell (03 445-0212). 

The Programme:

“A Wee Dram” Whisky Tasting - Friday 20 June 6.00pm – 8.00pm

Most people associate Scotland with tartan, haggis, Robbie Burns or its national drink – whisky. It’s been produced there for centuries. Selecting a dram to try and savour can be a difficult task. There’s so much choice it can be confusing. Beside the complex and intricate flavours there are also different types; malts, blended and grain whiskies. But don’t be daunted, our master guide will lead you through each of Scotland’s five distinct whisky regions, with tastings of seven stunning Scotch Whiskies.  The venue for this voyage of discovery is Carrick Winery. Tickets $30 (are restricted to those aged 18 and over).

Braveheart - Saturday 4.00pm

A multiple Oscar winner, awe –inspiring drama directed and starring Mel Gibson who portrays William Wallace, the 13th – century Scottish warrior, who led the Scots in the First War of Scottish independence, the movie Braveheart is an historical fantasy. It’s not the real thing of Wallace’s life but Braveheart was a box office hit. Some critics have found the historic inaccuracies almost insulting but Scottish actor and comedian Billy Connelly reckoned Braveheart was “a great piece of work”. So if you want only the dry truth this is not for you but if your desire is to be entertained by an epic movie then it is. The venue for Braveheart is the Bannockburn Bowling Club. Entry by donation at the door.

Bannocks Tea – Sunday 22 June, 4.30 – 6.00pm.

Scottish writers from Robbie Burns through to present day authors such as Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith and J K Rowling have made an enormous contribution to literature. Award –winning poet, fiction writer and 2008 Robert Burns fellow, Sue Wootton, will fascinate you with her description of the influence Scottish writers and poets have had on the modern world.  But that’s not all - enjoy a delicious afternoon tea listening to Celtic music icon, Steve McDonald, inspire you with his original composition Bannockburn. The venue for this music & literary indulgence is that little gem – The Kitchen, 430a Bannockburn Road.  Tickets $20    (includes food, coffee or tea). However, you will need to be quick – there are only 35 tickets available.

In the Heart of the Desert – Monday 23 June 11.30 – 2.00pm.

The impact the Scots settlers had on the formation and development of Otago and Southland will be explored by Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, Exhibition Developer, William McKee in what is sure to be an illuminating talk during this lunch time event at the village pub.  Steve McDonald will whet your appetite with a collection of some of his and your favourite Scottish songs. And of course if you wish to wet your whistle the bar will be open. If lunch has gone from being a social affair to a daily reminder of loneliness then this is for you. The village pub, often known as the Banny, but officially the Bannockburn Hotel is the venue. Tickets $20   (includes light lunch). Early purchase of tickets is suggested – tickets are limited to 40.

 From the Hills & Glens – Monday 23 June 7.30 – 9.00pm.

 The Bannockburn Hall is back open and just in time.  The grand old lady, 103 years young and still going strong, is your hostess this evening.  The music Steve McDonald will play in this bound to be popular concert, is dramatic and beautiful and includes some of the most powerful and moving contemporary Scottish music you are likely to hear. There will be something for everyone. However, it’s not all Steve. We have a few local treats in store for you as well. The not so good news is the Hall’s stage is still out of bounds so we can only let 80 people in. Tickets are $20 and will be available on a first come first served basis.

Piping Hot – Tuesday 24 June 7.30 – 10.00pm.

If there is a fact every Scot knows, it is who won the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314; and it was today, Tuesday 24 June, 700 years ago, that this victory was achieved.  Oh what a night this is going to be! Flower of Scotland, Scotland the Brave, Highland Cathedral; they will all be played and sung. Of course the haggis will be piped in and will be addressed by Jack Davis, My Lord of NZ Curling. Historian, Dr Jennie Coleman will provide a revealing insight into Scottish independence so gallantly achieved by the Battle of Bannockburn; how independence was subjugated with the subsequent union with England; and the current conundrum "Should Scotland be an independent country?" the subject of a Scottish referendum to be held on 18 September this year. The venue for this feast of everything Scottish is The Nose at the Highlands Motorsport Park. Don your kilt or tartan skirt. The dress standard, while not obligatory formal, is at least smart attire. Tickets $60 (includes three course dinner). The seating capacity at the Nose for Piping Hot is 75 and again tickets will be sold on a first come first served basis.

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Location

Bannockburn township