Events & Programs
|
|
Christmas in the Drawing room
Christmas dinner for 10
Addressing the Haggis
A little taste of Haggis
Heritage Music Fest 2008
|
|
 
|
|
|
Decorating the Castle for the Christmas season takes a full month! The transformation is amazing as the rooms are presented in traditional Victorian fashion complete with Victorian toys. Also featured throughout the home are several Christmas trees
The Dining room which is usually open to the public, is roped off during the month of December and a loan of table settings from Government House allows us to show visitors what a Victorian dinner would look like. This room is home to the original Dunsmir dining table and chairs as well as 3 large paintings and 2 wooden carvings owned by the family.
Robert Dunsmuir, in true Scottish tradition, was known to host celebrations for Robbie Burns Day. Both Robert and his wife Joan also had a personal connection with Robbie Burns....the first book of poetry by Burns was published in Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, the town where Joan and Robert were married. In this photo Bill Johnson addresses the Haggis.
The Tribute to Robbie Burns is included with admission. And, of course, Craigdarroch Castle is a marvellous place to explore while enjoying Scottish entertainment! After tasting the Haggis take home the recipe and your free copy of a Robbie Burn's poem.
In the Summer of 2008 Craigdarroch Castle participated in the Victoria Heritage Music Fest as part of a year long selebration of British Columbia's 150th anniversary. Local trio The Ecclestons performed their upbeat brand of Celtic music on the veranda as onlookers stood in the roped off parking lot or sat on the lawn.
|
What goes on at the Castle?
Tourists and local residents delight in a chance encounter with Kate the Maid or Christopher the Butler who often make an appearance during special events. Whether it's Robert Burns Day with the address to the Haggis or Christmas with children's stories, a variety of music or a visit with Father Christmas, the Castle comes alive with something for everyone. There's even theatre in October where the whole Castle becomes the set as the audience follow actors from scene to scene through the rooms and hallways. Member's Night provides an opportunity to talk with staff and directors about the year's work or upcoming projects while enjoying food from one of our preferred caterers and music from talented Vancouver Island performers. So plan your visit or get involved and let us show you Victoria's Legendary Landmark!
The Castle is a wonderful location to hold a private event so why not consider holding yours here?
Summer's here along with extended hours as we open at 9am and close the front doors at 7pm. Experience a self guided tour or contact us for group rates.
Giggling Iguana Productions has completed a very successful run for "The Importance of Being Ernest", a comic play by Oscar Wilde that premiered in 1895 in London. A story that takes place in England during the late Victorian era deriving its humor in part from characters maintaining fictitious identities to escape unwelcome social obligations. Nearly 1000 people took in the 16 performances presented under a tent on the castle grounds. The show received great reviews from audience members and media alike and preparations are under way for next year's program. Stay tuned for information on our October show, The Cursed Cabaret! A new play with music written by Karen Lee Pickett. October 13-31.
Christmas at Craigdarroch Castle
Christmas 2009 was a great success and member's night with refreshments accompanied by music from Cookeilidh was the real kick off. If you would like to join us next time buy your membership and get involved!
Decorating the Castle for the Christmas season takes a many hours and involves a number of staff and volunteers. The transformation is amazing as the rooms are presented in traditional Victorian fashion and original period toys peak out from under the Christmas trees. The decorations are on display throughout the month of December and we always offer a wide selection of music and children's performances. All of the day time entertainment is free with your admission to the castle.
We offered something new this year by putting on two Family Nights with guided tours using actors performing as the Maid and Butler. The response was overwhelming, particularly the second night when we added two extra tours to accommodate everyone! To get an idea of what Christmas at the Castle is like have a look this past performance calendar.
Craigdarroch Castle was built by Robert Dunsmuir and completed in 1890. Dunsmuir, in true Scottish tradition, was known to host celebrations for Robbie Burns Day. Both Robert Dunsmuir and his wife Joan also had a personal connection with Robbie Burns....the first book of poetry by Burns was published in Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, the town where Joan and Robert were married.
Join us at Craigdarroch as we celebrate on Saturday, January 23, 2010!
At 10:00 a.m., the Castle opens for self-guided tours. At 11:30 a.m. The Qristina and Quinn Quartet will begin their performance and at 12:00 noon the Haggis will be piped into the Castle by the Highland Gathering Light Horse and Foot Guard. Bill Johnston will give the “Address to the Haggis” then visitors will be invited to sample a wee bit. As the Haggis is being served the Qristina and Quinn Quartet will continue to entertain in the alcove.
We offer this tribute to Robert Burns, at no extra charge, as part of the admission fee. As a memento, take home your FREE copy of a Robbie Burn's poem and the recipe for Haggis.
