Burns Night Suppers.....how to run one

Burns Suppers have been part of Scottish and Ulster-Scots culture for about 200 years as a means of commemorating the much-loved bard.

While people all over the world love the work and life of Robert Burns, he holds a special place in the hearts of the Ulster-Scots.

The influence of Burns in Ulster is such that is was said there was a time when there were two books in Ulster homes, the Bible and Burns.

Today thousands of Ulster-Scots host or attend Burns Night celebrations in the days leading up to his birthday, January 25th.

His influence is growing, not diminishing, and in response to enquiries from the public, the Ulster-Scots Agency has developed this leaflet in order to help groups and individuals hold their own events.

The Burns night ritual was started by close friends of the poet a few years after his death in 1796 as a tribute to his memory.

The basic format for the evening has remained unchanged since that time and begins when the chairman invites the company to receive the haggis.