Published: Thursday, 14th May, 2009 6:40am

Plenty of hot Burns events at 2009 Haddington Festival

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HADDINGTON Festival co-ordinator Jan Wilson has urged all Haddingtonians to take pride in their town and help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns.

The Bard, whose family settled in the Haddington area following his death in 1796, provides the central theme for the 2009 festival, which is officially launched next Sunday (May 24) with the traditional parade of organisations through the town centre to St Mary"s Parish Church.

Main attraction at this year"s festival is undoubtedly "The Mother of All Burns", a new play written and directed by BAFTA winning playwright Andrew Dallmeyer, featuring well known Scottish actress Juliet Cadzow with songs arranged and performed by Coreen Scott.

Opening in the West Church on May 26, this dramatic programme of song, music and verse is sure to be a success.

Commissioned by Grants Braes Burns Club and supported by Lennoxlove House, it is being part financed by the Scottish Government, The European Community, Tyne Esk Leader and East Lothian Council.

From May 27 to May 31 the much-anticipated show will run daily at Lennoxlove.

Also on the Burns theme, Haddington-based choir The Garleton Singers will present "A Taste of Scotland" at St Mary"s Parish Church on May 26.

Mrs Wilson, chair of organisers Haddington and District Community Council, said: 'This year is such a special year with the celebration of Homecoming Scotland honouring the 250th anniversary of the birth of our Bard, Robert Burns.

'You don"t have to be Scottish to celebrate, just come along and enjoy what is on offer. We hope there is something to suit all tastes.

'Haddington has such a wealth of talent in art, music song and dance.'

If you fancy something more exotic, the Lamp of Lothian invites you to enjoy an evening of authentic Argentinian tango music and dance with Orquesta Atipica de Edimburgo, with demonstrations by the well known Rumbos de Tango, in the Corn Exchange on May 24.

And for something complete different, Lodge 57 is holding a freemasons" open night, offering "an insight to freemasonry" on May 25.

Festival favourites returning for a further year include "Sing for Life", a sponsored hymn singing marathon at Holy Trinity Church, the popular children"s pet and dog shows, the Poldrate raft race and duck derby.

Competition is already hotting up for the Niall Fairgrieve Memorial Trophy, to be awarded to the winner of "East Lothian"s Got Talent", the final of which takes place in the Corn Exchange on May 30.

Festival programmes, tickets and information on all events can be obtained from the festival box office, located in the foyer of the Corn Exchange, tel 01620 822198.

The box office is open from Tuesday (May 19) to June 29 from 9.15 am-4pm (9.15am to noon on May 30). Programmes are also available from town shops.

The festival cafe, offering teas, coffees and homebaking, is open daily at the Corn Exchange, from Wednesday, between 10.30am and 2pm.