What is Burns Night?

Burns Night is a celebration of the Scottish poet Robert Burns - also known as Rabbie Burns - and is usually celebrated on 25th January, the day the poet was born. He famously wrote Auld Lang Syne and also A Red Red Rose and A Man's a Man for A That. He's regarded as the Scottish bard, in the same way that England celebrates William Shakespeare.

What do you eat?

The celebrations usually take the form of a Burns supper, where it's traditional to serve haggis with 'neeps and tatties' (mashed potatoes and swede). Cranachan, a mixture of cream, whisky, honey, raspberries and oatmeal, is also often served. A dram of Scotch whisky is the popular accompaniment.

Malvern Gazette:

Is it just a nice dinner?

There's a bit more to it than that. Traditions normally observed include The Selkirk Grace, followed by the Address to the Haggis and the Toast to the Haggis.

After eating, there are a number of after-dinner speeches including The Immortal Memory, a speech about Burns' life or poetry, before a man gives the light-hearted Toast to the Lassies and a woman counters on behalf of the female guests with the Reply to the Laddies.

Will there be bagpipes?

Yes, probably. The haggis may be brought into the event with the pipes playing in the background. There may be jigs and reels danced after the meal. You may also be asked to sing Auld Lang Syne at the end of the evening.

Any exciting events happening this year?

Prime Minister Theresa May hosted a traditional Burns Supper at 10 Downing Street on Monday.

Glasgow based chef Gary Maclean, a previous winner of Masterchef: The Professionals was put in charge of cooking for the event, using a range of traditional Scottish produce for his menu.

Guests at the event enjoyed MacSweens haggis, Highland venison and the desert which helped Mr Maclean win the Masterchef trophy - a chocolate pistachio Drambuie and raspberry shortbread, with Arran Dairies Cranachan ice-cream.

Mrs May said it was a way to celebrate a great poet, nation and an enduring Union.

Malvern Gazette:

Any Burns Nights closer to home in Worcestershire?

There are a few events on over the next few days.

  • Burns Night in aid of St Richard's Hospice - 7pm until 1am, Thursday, January 25, at The Abbey Hotel, Malvern
  • Worcester Rowing Club are holding a Burns Night, 7.30pm - 11pm, Friday, January 26
  • The Mount Pleasant is doing a Burns Night Supper on Thursday, January 25
  • The Nag's Head in Malvern is holding a Whisky tasting night at 8pm on Thursday, January 25
  • A Burns Night was held at Harvington CE First and Nursery School on Monday, January 22.