Although not a public holiday in England, Burns Night is a popular event which takes place at the end of January each year.
The traditional Scottish celebration commemorates the life of the poet Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Scotland.
Bagpipes will usually be heard throughout the evening
A Burns supper is usually held to celebrate the bard’s contribution to Scottish culture, many will be familiar with his best known work Auld Lang Syne.
An important cultural icon, Robert Burns may be referred to as: ‘Rabbie Burns’; the ‘Bard of Ayrshire’; ‘Scotland's favorite son; or simply as ‘The Bard’.
Ceremonies during a Burns Night supper vary depending on the attendees, however the evening centres around the entrance of the haggis.
The haggis is central to any Burns Night supper
Haggis is a type of savoury pudding made from sheep offal mixed with oatmeal, suet and spices – before being encased in the animal’s stomach.
Neeps and tatties, or turnips and potatoes as they are more familiarly known in England, accompany the Scottish delicacy.
Bagpipes accompany the arrival of the haggis, and once placed on the table the host will usually read the Address to the Haggis, an ode that Burns penned to the Scottish dish.
At the line His knife see rustic Labour dicht, the speaker normally draws and sharpens a knife.
During the line An' cut you up wi' ready slicht, he plunges it into the haggis and cuts it open from end to end.
Whisky toasts are traditionally drunk throughout the evening
This is the first of many times during the evening that a whisky toast will be proposed.
Traditionally men will usually dress in a kilt made from the family tartan, women may choose to wear a shawl, skirt or dress made from the distinctive woollen cloth.
Here are some of the events taking place around the distrcit to celebrate The Bard:
Menu served from 6pm - 9pm Burns Night Supper
A traditional Burns Night menu will be available throughout the evening, which will be accompanied by whiskey tasting and some great entertainment too!
The Hog at Horsley
The Cross, Horsley, GL6 0PR
Call 01453 833843 to book a table
8pm - 10.30pm Burns Night Celebrations with Elvis McGonagall and the Resurrectors
An unholy marriage of Elvis McGonagall’s radical stand-up poetry and the Dead Plants’ Caledonian punky skiffle beat. More fire and fury than Donald Trump could ever tweet with his tiny hands. Get out your ear trumpets and put on your dancing shoes - it’s the talking rock ’n roll revolution.
Accompanied by whiskey haggis neeps and tatties.
The Prince Albert, Rodborough, GL5 3SS
8pm Blue Rose Code + Hattie Briggs
ACCLAIMED Stroud musician Hattie Briggs will be supporting Blue Rose Code, the musician awarded 'Scottish Album of the Year' at the Subscription Rooms on Burns Night.
Tickets £14
The Subscription Rooms, Stroud GL5 1AE
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