Chester is an upmarket kind of place: designer shops in historic buildings, and not a rundown estate for miles. First established in Roman times, the town was later under threat from Danish looting sprees, which led Saxon princess Ethelfleda to build Chester’s famous surrounding walls. In the town centre there are other examples of period architecture; the Rows are medieval arcades that are raised above the walkways, and many buildings feature dramatic black on white timber frames.
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.
