Current restrictions might have put any Burns Night gatherings on hold but thanks to a couple of virtual events, we can still soak up the atmosphere and enjoy music and dancing “together”.
Celebrated every January, on or around the 25th, Burns Night gives us a chance to celebrate the life of the Bard and indulge in a fantastic Scottish feast, recite some of his most famous works and enjoy a wee dram or two
For the first time, on Monday 25 January 2021, Burns Night is going digital. We've found two fantastic events to choose from, or even 'attend' them both. They're being streamed on YouTube and they're free to join in with. They’ll provide the entertainment, all you need to do is make yourself a feast of haggis, neaps and tatties and pour yourself a wee dram. Maybe even dress up for the occasion. If you’ve got a kilt that hasn’t seen much daylight in the last year, why not go all out? Or just pop on your favourite tartan socks for a spot of ceilidh dancing?
The virtual events
Burns Night: Online
The Nest Collective hosts an online celebration of the Bard and his legacy.
Hosted by Mercury-nominated artist Sam Lee, the event will feature live music from the Ceilidh Liberation Front, Covid-safe demonstration dancers, toasts made, drams raised, and appearances from guest musicians Ewan McLennan, Alasdair Roberts, Burd Ellen, Namvula, Rachel Newton, Iona Fyfe and Adam Beattie.
It's sure to be 90 minutes of great music, dancing and poetry.
Janey Godley’s Big Burns Supper
Monday 25 January at 7pm on YouTube. Find our more at www.bigburnssupper.com
This year’s festivities will be broadcast for free on Facebook and YouTube, and features a massive line-up of local and international artists, historians, performers, comedians and more, all of whom are coming together to raise a dram and lift the spirits during this trying time.
Hosted by the incomparable Janey Godley, highlights include the likes of KT Tunstall, Donovan, Tide Lines, Dougie Maclean, Robert Softly Gale and Amy Conachan.
Ingredients for the perfect Burns Supper
One of the best parts of a Burns supper is, of course, the food. At a traditional Burns evening, there are usually three courses served. One of the highlights of the meal being when the haggis is piped in and addressed. If you fancy addressing your own haggis, we've found this brilliant collection of some of Burns' works including the 'Address to a Haggis.' If you also happen to have someone in your household that can play the bagpipes, you're onto a real winning evening. To create your own delicious supper, we've popped links to some great recipes below. Or if you've had enough of cooking, we've spotted some delicious-looking Burns Supper ready-meals in the supermarkets.
Starter
Nothing gets a Burns supper off to a good start than a bowl of warming soup. Cock-a-leekie and Cullen Skink are sure to help build up that energy for some ceilidh dancing later on.
Main
Whether you're a meat eater or not, haggis or vegan haggis are both perfect for a traditional Burns supper main.
Vegan haggis, neaps and tatties
Dessert
If there's any space left, or perhaps to enjoy after the virtual events, Cranachan or Clootie Dumpling are both great choices for a delicious, sweet dessert.
So while it may be a slightly different Burns night than what we're used to, it can no doubt, be just as fun.