The Suffolk town of Bungay sits in a loop in the river in the Waveney Valley, and its easily defensible position made it an important strategic centre as far back as Roman times. By Norman times the powerful Bigod family owned land at Bungay and nearby Framlingham, and built castles at each. Though Bungay Castle is now in ruins, there is a visitor centre that tells of its turbulent history, and helps you conjure a picture of how it was in times gone by. Other local attractions include the Buttermarket, where markets are held each Thursday, and the Roman Well.
2009 marks the 250th anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns' birth. Burns was a poet and a lyricist and is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.
The Burns Supper was started a few years after his death by a group of his friends; they held the supper to honour and remember Burns. The tradition caught on and the ritual of Burns Supper is now held all around the world.
His life and work will be celebrated throughout the year at many Burns-related events.
