Dunedin Celebrates St Andrew’s Day with Vibrant Scottish Festivities

The city of Dunedin will host a lively celebration for St Andrew’s Day on November 23, 2024, featuring an array of Scottish-themed activities. Scheduled from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM in the Octagon, the event promises to captivate attendees with performances, food, and cultural experiences reflecting Scotland’s rich heritage.

Chairwoman of the Dunedin-Edinburgh Sister City Society, Sarah Davis, emphasized the event’s broad appeal. Activities will include performances by pipe bands, Highland dancing, and even strongman competitions. “For the full St Andrew’s Day experience, be in the Octagon promptly and wear some tartan to fly the flag for Scotland,” she said.

The day’s festivities will kick off with a performance by the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, followed by the Dunedin Harmony Chorus and a lone piper. At 11:30 AM, Dunedin Mayor Sophie Barker and Royden Somerville, president of the Scottish Heritage Council, will officially welcome guests. A representative from the British High Commission will also attend, highlighting the significance of the event.

Davis noted the community’s interest in expanding musical entertainment, leading to a diverse programme. A new addition this year is a community ceilidh at 11:40 AM, guided by an expert caller and accompanied by the Dunedin Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. “We are looking forward to a day of family fun for all ages, rain or shine,” she remarked.

Another highlight will be a ceremonial haggis presentation, which showcases traditional Scottish culture. The event will also feature Callum McConachy leading the stones of manhood strength competition, a test of skill and power.

The afternoon will see continued entertainment with the Pipes and Drums of Dunedin, the Grumpy Scotsman trio, and the band Catgut and Steel. Alongside the performances, attendees can sample a variety of food and drink from local vendors, showcasing the community’s vibrant culinary scene. “We are very fortunate to have such strong support from our business community and the wider community — it makes it all worthwhile,” Davis stated.

Members of the Otago Scottish Heritage Council will also set up stalls in the main Octagon carriageway, promoting their groups and events, further enriching the cultural atmosphere.

Traditionally observed on November 30, this year’s St Andrew’s Day celebrations have been moved up by a week to avoid a scheduling conflict with the Dunedin Santa Parade. The event has a long history in Dunedin, established in July 1974 and revitalized in 2004 by then-mayor Sukhi Turner, reinforcing the city’s ties with Edinburgh and promoting its Scottish heritage.

The schedule for the day is as follows:

– 10:00-10:20 AM: City of Dunedin Pipe Band
– 10:20-10:40 AM: Dunedin Harmony Chorus
– 10:40-10:50 AM: Lone piper
– 11:10-11:30 AM: Waitaki and Districts Pipe Band
– 11:30-11:40 AM: Official speeches
– 11:40 AM-12:30 PM: Community Ceilidh with Dunedin Scottish Fiddle Orchestra
– 12:30-1:00 PM: Haggis ceremony
– 1:00-1:20 PM: Pipes and Drums of Dunedin
– 1:20-1:40 PM: Grumpy Scotsman Trio
– 1:40-2:10 PM: Stones of Manhood
– 2:10-2:30 PM: Catgut and Steel
– 2:30-2:40 PM: Piping out

The St Andrew’s Day festivities promise to be a celebration of culture, community, and camaraderie, inviting all to partake in the joyful experience.