The festival begins on Friday with street stalls featuring traditional Scottish goods and concludes on Sunday afternoon with a Festival Finale concert at the Theatre Royal.

In between, a varied program of entertainment will play out with festival chair and Corangamite councillor Ruth Gstrein excited about what lays ahead.

“Council is always keen to get behind events that can help drive the economy by bringing people into the town,” Cr Gstrein said.

“We think the festival offers something different and we are hoping plenty of people come along and join in the fun.” 

Features of the weekend will include a bagpipe competition, art and history exhibitions, music workshops and whisky tasting, a Scottish family dance, street buskers, a lecture series and performances from visiting and local Celtic musicians.

The Deer Stalkers Ball will be held at the Theatre Royal on Saturday night with the piping in of the haggis a highlight of the night.  

Cr Gstrein encouraged the community to support the festival.

“The court house concerts are always very popular and provide an intimate setting to appreciate the artists up close,” Cr Gstrein said.

“To have the talent of Len Murray, who is regarded as one of the foremost speakers on Robert Burns, presenting on the Saturday afternoon in the Old Council Chambers on ‘Why all the fuss about Burns?’ will be a session not to miss.

“Tickets for all events, including the lecture series and the court house concerts, are available from council offices.”

Further information and a program of events can be found on the festival website www.camperdownburnsfestival.com.