Born on January 25, 1759, Scotland’s national poet Robbie Burns is celebrating his 253rd birthday tomorrow and Simon Fraser University's Centre for Scottish Studies is commemorating the day with a record-setting poetry reading marathon. The event will be held at SFU’s Vancouver campus (at Harbour Centre) beginning at 8 a.m.

Vancouver Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi, Bard on the Beach Artistic Director Christopher Gaze and SFU President Andrew Petter will be on hand at 8 a.m. for the opening ceremony. Leith Davis, director of the Centre for Scottish Studies, contends that  “Burns was such a firm supporter of democracy and community, his message is still very relevant today.”

Leith Davis, 604.205.9448, leith@sfu.ca

What: Robbie Burns marathon poetry reading
When: January 25, 2012 – 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Where: Teck Gallery (main floor), SFU Vancouver, Harbour Centre building, 515 West Hastings