Newark and District Caledonian Society to celebrate Centenary year Burns Night dinner at Newark Showground

For the first time in three years, Burns Night celebrations will return with traditional Scottish dancing, a four course feast, and a haggis as the star of the show.

Burns Night is a celebration of the life and poetry of the influential Scottish poet Robert Burns, usually held on or near to the poet's birthday of January 25.

Newark and District Caledonian Society will welcome new and old friends as they host the celebratory evening at Newark Showground's Cedric Ford Pavilion on January 21.

Former society president and current committee member John Mackenzie said: “Until covid we used to have an annual Burns Night, and this year will also be the centenary of our foundation in 1923.

“Historically we used to hold it in the town hall every year but we just got a bit too big for it because we were getting between 100 and 140 coming.

“Now we just want to say we’re back. The last one we held was about two months before covid started, so we’ve missed a few and we just want to remind people about it and invite new people along."

A piper will open proceedings, Robert Burn's Selkirk Grace will then be read ahead of a four course meal followed by an address and toast to the haggis.

Speeches will then follow from the society president who will introduce Mayor of Newark, Laurence Goff who will act as Provost before making a speech of his own. Everyone will then be encouraged to join in with Scottish Country Dancing.

John said: "As soon as the dancing starts it's semi-organised chaos but we like to have fun."

There will be entertainment throughout the evening from West End singer Shona Lindsay, ending with a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

The black tie or Highland dress evening is due to start at 7pm. For further information contact: elainerams@icloud.com.