NOVEMBER 2004
www.celtic-connection.com
Page 19
Christmas Celebrations in Glasgow
Glasgow's George Square is to be transformed into a winter wonderland over this year's festive period, with one of the largest outdoor skating rinks in Europe. A show called WOOSH! has been created by Britain's Olympic skating champion Robin Cousins and it will star some of the UK's top skaters on the rink on three dates in the run-up to Christmas.
The entrance will be created to look like a stunning Soviet Palace facade. There will be stadium-style seating for an audience of2,000 and a cafe/ bar will serve hot drinks to those with a rink-side view. On other days, the public will be able to hire skates and join in the fun. Costume staff in character will add to the family-friendly feel of the square's attractions and special themed nights and carol concerts will be held for both adults and children throughout December. In previous years, the George Square rink has attracted around 30,000 skaters over the festive period. The rink and cafe will open from November 26 to December 24 and WOOSH! will run from December 19 to 21.
Edinburgh - World's First City of Literature
A long campaign by Edinburgh to be named the world's first "City of Literature " by UNESCO was crowned with success when it was announced that they had been awarded the title. Edinburgh's award will be the first of a number of literary capitals to be recognized worldwide. Backers of the campaign included authors Muriel Spark, Ian Rankin and J.K. Rowling.
In addition to modern writers, Edinburgh was able to highlight its long tradition of being home to great authors such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson who have made their mark on world literature and the annual International Book Festival, which has grown to a sizeable event. In a city which already hosts the largest arts festival in the world, the accolade may not cause more than a ripple, but it has been estimated that it could add to the capital's tourism industry and attract new, large-scale literary events.
St. Andrew's Night Concert
The Tarn O'Shanter Scottish Country Dance Club is presenting a fundraising St. Andrew's Night Concert, 7:30 PM on November 27 at the Wheelhouse Theatre, Earl Marriott Secondary School, located at 15751 16th Avenue, South Surrey. Performers include the North Shore Celtic Fiddle Ensemble with vocalist Jay Knutson, a piper and drummer duo, Keri's Scottish Highland Dance Studio and the Tarn O'Shanter Dancers. For tickets, call Cheryl at (604) 535-8949, or the Community Arts Council of White Rock at (604) 536-8333.
Pardon for Prestonpans Witches
A local historian in Prestonpans, East Lothian, has presented "evidence " in a baronial court which has managed to win 81 pardons for women who were executed 400 years ago in the reign of King James VI. They were convicted during the Reformation for such crimes as owning a black cat or providing homemade medicines.
During the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries more than 3,500 Scots, mainly women, were convicted by the courts of being witches, during a period of paranoia and suspicion.
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Scottish Cultural Centre
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE CENTRE
The Gaelic Society holds a Ceilidh on the first Saturday of every month, October to May at 8:00 p.m. Please call 604-939-3963 for information & tickets.
Moray Nairn & Banff Association presents St. Andrews Night at 8:00 p.m. on November 27th. Terrific entertainment. Jock's pies & mushy peas. Tickets: $10 each. Call: Jock at 604-940-9260 for information.
Friday, November 26,h - Scottish Ceilidh Dancing from 8:00 - 11:00 p.m. with a free lesson at 7:00 p.m. Adults: $8, Students: $6, including live music & refreshments. For info, call Duncan at 604-436-3193. Sponsored by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
A great Christmas gift idea! - Give the gift of tickets to see "The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra" wiio are returning to Vancouver, on their 3'" Canadian Tour! - July, 5th, 2005. At the Orpheum Theatre, Vancouver. Tx's on sale at Ticketmaster 604-280-4444. General info: 604-263-9911
THREE FLOORS OF ROOMS AVAILABLE FOR RENT! CALL US AT (604) 263-9911 OR FAX (604) 263-9510
The Scottish Cultural Centre 8886 Hudson St. (at 73rd) in Vancouver
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Interested? The SFU Pipe Band's world-famous teaching program for children starts immediately.
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Book now for Christmas, Hogmanay, Robbie Burns & All Those Special Occasions Come in and see us for some great Christmas gift ideas
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