FAQs
Who is Robert Burns?
Rabbie Burns (aka The Bard) is Scotland's most famous poet. He was cheeky chappie
who liked the ladies and whisky in equal measures! Many of you will recognise
his song, Auld Land Syne, usually sung by groups of drunken people huddled
together, shortly after the bells! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Burns
What happens at a Burns' Supper?
The main evening starts at 7pm; on your arrival, you will be presented with
a glass of bubbly and seated. Some of our harder guests come along earlier
to enjoy a whisky tasting (around 6pm and optional). Following Grace, the
haggis will be piped in together with our first speech; Ode to the Haggis.
After a scrumptious dinner of haggis, neeps and tatties, the the post-dinner
speeches are delivered:
The Immortal Memory - an introduction
the man they simply called the Bard.
The Ode to the Lassies - a cheeky, sometime close-to-the-bone
speech that that gives the audience a taste of what Rabbie lived for.
The Response from the Lassies - an opportunity for the ladies to have
their say!
We then dance the night away to a live Scottish band; a caller
is provided for those unfamiliar with ceilidh dancing.
Who attends the Burns' Supper?
A mix of like-minded people from around the region and farther afield. The
event is hosted by the Newcastle Gentlemen's Society (www.theNGS.org).
What is a haggis?
A haggis is a small animal native to Scotland. The habitat of the haggis in
exclusively mountainous, and they are relatively easy to catch as they
can only run round in circles. After catching the haggis it is cooked in
boiling water for a period of time, then served with tatties and neeps
(and before you ask, that's potatoes and turnips). It's screams are said
to sound like that other fantastic Scottish invention - the Bagpipes!
If you, rightly, think I'm talking rubbish
then read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggis for a more accurate description!
At the Burns Supper we can offer a vegetarian
version of this fine dish!!
Will I get drunk?
This is optional. Many (if not all) of our guests are generally tipsy by the
end of the evening! There will be some wine with the meal and a reasonably
priced bar. However, if you attend the whisky tasting, then your soberness
cannot be guaranteed!
I can't ceilidh dance!
As you will discover at the supper, many of our guests can't either! We will
have a 'caller' who will talk you through each of the dances.
What should I wear?
This is strictly a black tie event. Gentlemen
should wear a dinner jacket or traditional Scottish attire (e.g. the kilt).
Ladies should wear a formal dress or similar. Jeans and hoodies are not
allowed!
I'm liking this, how do I get
a ticket?
Tickets will be available here from September or October 2014. Check back
for updates. Supply is strictly limited due to the capacity of the venue.
Ticket prices are likely to be £38 for the dinner and £15 for
the Whisky Tasting.
