Burns Night is held on the 25th January each year. It is a celebration of the life and works of the poet Robert Burns, as well as Scottish culture in general.
Robert Burns
Robert Burns, also known as Rabbie Burns the Bard of Ayrshire, was born on 25th January 1759 in a village called Alloway, in Ayr, Scotland and lived until 21st July 1796 where he died in Dumfries aged 37.
Burns created a vast array of poetry and songs that are still recited today, over two centuries later. His first publication was printed by John Wilson of Kilmarnock in July 1786, entitled Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect.
His most famous work is the poem I’m sure you are all quite familiar with, Auld Lang Syne, written in 1788. Set to the tune of an old traditional Scottish folk song, Auld Lang Syne is sung at new year’s eve celebrations.
How to Celebrate
Many pubs and restaurants hold Burns night celebrations which typically involve eating a Burns Supper consisting of Haggis, neeps, and tatties. Other activities may include playing the bagpipes, a Robert Burns quiz, or reciting poetry written by Robert Burns, to mention a few.
Get Involved
If you fancy joining in with the celebrations, take a look at the Burns night Events in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire that we have put together.
BrewDog Nottingham Burns Night
Thursday 25th January
BrewDog is super proud of its Scottish roots and wants you to celebrate them with them, they are the place to be for Burns Night!
This is what they have going on. A brand new BrewDog beer launch, that’s perfect for dry January. A LoneWolf Spirits Cranachan Vodka launch using vodka made with Oats, Cream and Fresh Raspberries. A veggie haggis pizza special, yes that’s right, you did read that correctly. Some awesome music from epic Scottish bands, and of course, BrewDog’s Address the Haggis at 7pm
Oh yeah, and a free pint to anyone wearing a kilt!
Burns Night at the Angel Microbrewery
Thursday 25th January
Get involved this Thursday and go along and try the Angel’s very Scottish haggis, neeps & tatties (veggie version is also available) plus any of their amazing vegan desserts and a house whisky or whisky cocktail, all for just £15
Burns Supper at the Geese and Fountain
Friday 26th January
Enjoy a traditional Burns Supper. On offer are three courses of fine Scottish fare, coffee and a wee dram included. Works from Robert Burns will be recited and sung and accompanied by the bagpipes played by Mr Bill James. Kilts and tartans optional.
Pullman Burn’s Night at the Great Central railway
Wednesday 24th January
Enjoy this fantastic, luxury evening on board the beautiful Pullman train, complete with bar cars. There will be a complimentary hot toddy reception served in the end waiting room to the sound of live Scottish pipe music.
Burns Week at Foxton Locks Inn
22nd – 27th January
Try something from their Scottish themed specials menu including everything from cock-a-leekie and cranachan.
Burns Night Supper & Ceilidh at Harts
Friday 26th January
Harts are hosting a Burns Night Supper and Ceilidh. The menu consists of a Welcome dram, Parsnip crisps & olives; Haggis &, neeps & tatties, Roast sirloin of beef, Koffman cabbage, roast shallots, potato fondant, and Cranachan.
Burns Night Supper at The Horse & Groom
Thursday 25th January
A fantastic Scottish Burns Night Supper. A bagpiper will be playing in the pub and will then carried out the traditional ceremony of the cutting of the haggis. All diners will be given a free scotch whisky to toast the haggis and then Eddie will serve the supper of haggis nips and tatties. It is by booking only and the last two years have been a sell-out. It’s a great evening full of Scottish themes music and whisky. This is a charity event too.
Burn’s Celebration at The Guildhall
Friday 26th January
The Rites of Winter Ceilidh
Celebrate Burns with energetic music and traditional dancing! Music and dance are being provided by “3 Around 3” (Ceilidh Band) and regular caller Laurence Gilbert.
Great fun and a unique opportunity for all the family at Leicester Guildhall’s beautiful great hall. All ages and experience welcome.
Brewdog,Leicester Burns Night
Thursday 25th January
Brewdog is a Scottish company so they don’t need an excuse to celebrate Burns Night!
And they are going to celebrate HARD!
Wear a kilt and you get a FREE pint, yes free!
Enjoy a one-off haggis pizza (veggie option available)
The launch of their new Lone Wolf vodka, it’s going to knock your socks off.
Scottish themed playlist.
AND if that wasn’t enough, a mini Scottish showcase to top it all off!
See you there, don’t forget your kilts!
Chef and Brewer Burns Night
Thursday 25th January
Chef and Brewer are offering a Burns night menu at all of their Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire pubs. The menu consisting of a 4-course taster selection including Cullen Skink, Rabbit & Ham Hock Terrine, and of course, Haggis with Neeps & Tatties, to name just a few.
