LIVERPOOL - Robbie Burns night is recognized all over the world, and Hell Bay Brewing Company is excited to join in the celebrations too, says president, Mark Baillie.
Robbie Burns suppers are a celebration of the life and poetry of Robert Burns of Scotland. These dinners are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, which is Jan. 25.
For the second year in a row, the Hell Bay Brewing Company will be offering a traditional dinner of haggis, neeps and tatties (turnips and potatoes).
“We purchase the haggis, as it is prepared off premise,” says Baillie. “But we are told that it prepared as close to the traditional way as possible.”
As with any traditional Robbie Burns night, the haggis is piped in, and this year’s piper is Pat Melanson. According to tradition, everyone stands as the haggis is brought in and the haggis is laid down at the head table. The piping of the haggis is set for 6:30 p.m.
The Address to a Haggis, a poem written by Burns to celebrate his appreciation of haggis, will be read by Derek Ross. Throughout the evening, Baillie says Burns’ poems will be recited and there will be more bagpipe playing.
“It is important to celebrate the works of Burns, also known as the poet of the people, for many reasons whether it be poetically, politically or otherwise,” says Baillie.
Tickets for the Hell Bay Brewery Burns night are on sale until the day of the event, Jan. 25. They are $15 per person and children can attend as well.
Who is Robbie Burns?
Robert Burns – also known as Robbie or Rabbie Burns – was born Jan. 25, 1759. Still remembered today as the Bard of Ayrshire and the Ploughman’s Poet, Burns was widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. His works celebrated the lives of typical Scots - recorded and celebrated aspects of farm life, regional experiences, traditional culture, class culture and distinctions, and religious practice and beliefs – in a way that appealed widely across the country.
He wrote over 100 songs for The Melodies of Scotland and worked to preserve many traditional Scottish songs, often putting new lyrics to traditional tunes. Auld Lang Syne, still sung every New Year’s, is one example of this, set to the tune of the traditional Can Ye Labour Lea, while A Red, Red Rose was set to the tune of Major Graham.
Burns was just 37 when he died on July 21, 1796, but his writing influence lived on. After his death, his writings were considered a major influence of the founders of liberalism and socialism. He remains a celebrated poet in Scotland, where statues mark his influence on Scottish culture.
Today, he is still remembered across the world, but especially by Canadians of Scottish decent, where Burns Nights are celebrated across the country.
If you go: Hell Bay Brewing Company is located at 38 Legion St. in Liverpool. The Burns supper will be held Jan. 25, with doors opening at 6 p.m. Admission is $15 per person.
Learn more about Hell Bay Brewing Company at https://www.hellbaybrewing.com . Check out the event page for the Burns Night supper on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/940998729384964/
Learn more about Robert Burns at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Burns
http://www.robertburns.org/
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/robert-burns
