How to Organise a Burns Supper
Hosting a Party to Celebrate the Scottish Poet Robert Burns
Nov 28, 2008
People everywhere gather on or around January 25th each year to celebrate the birthday of Robert Burns. The tradition of holding a Burns Supper in memory of the great Scottish bard started in his home village of Alloway, Ayrshire, where several of his friends organised such an event a few years after his death in 1796. Since then Burns Suppers have been held all over the world, giving fans of the poet a chance to unite in appreciation of his life and works.
Organising a Burns Supper
Organising a Burns Supper requires plenty of preparation. Venues are often booked 12 months in advance. Caterers also need to be arranged, along with entertainers, a piper and someone to act as chairman of the evening’s events. The venue will also need to be decorated, perhaps with tartan tablecloths and a few pictures of Robert Burns. There are several parts to the evening, with responsibility falling on the chairman to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Piping in the Haggis
The cooked haggis is carried into the hall on a platter by the chef. It is accompanied on its journey by a piper. The haggis should be placed on a table where all the guests can see it. The chairman of the supper, or another designated speaker, then recites Burns’ poem, “Address to a Haggis.” The climax of the recitation sees the haggis being dramatically cut open.
Bill of Fare - The Meal
Haggis, neeps and tatties (haggis, turnip and potatoes) is the traditional fare at Burns Suppers. Vegetarian haggis should also be made available for guests. A dessert course is optional, and should be a traditionally Scottish dish, such as cranachan. Although not essential, jugs of the Scottish alcoholic drink Atholl Brose (made from oats, whisky, honey and cream) can be placed on the tables. This drink dates back to at least the 15th century.
The Immortal Memory - Tribute to Robert Burns
This is the main speech of the evening and should be an appreciation of the life and works of Robert Burns. Speakers should quote parts of Burns’ work and keep guests engrossed with a passionate delivery. The speaker will also recite Burns’ poem, “To the Lassies.” This can be responded to by a female speaker in what is known as the, "Response from the Lassies."
Entertainment - Scottish Poetry and Song
Ideally, the evening’s music should be provided by an act that specialises in traditional Scottish songs, and have several works of Burns in their repertoire. It is common practice at Burns suppers for a speaker to recite the classic Burns poem, “Tam O’Shanter.” It is a very long work which requires a considerable amount of time and effort to learn by heart.
A Burns Supper normally ends with a vote of thanks from the chairman. All guests are then encouraged to join in a rendition of "Auld Lang Syne", a song adapted by Burns from an earlier work. As everyone heads home at the end of the night, it is already time to start planning next year's event.
