A Burns Supper

Order Of Events

Whether a Burns Supper is organised by a Burns Club, any other club or a group of friends, the basic format is the same. After the Chairman for the evening has welcomed the company, a recitation of 'The Selkirk Grace' follows. Dinner is served, including the pipping-in of the haggis and then a rendering of Burns's 'Address to the Haggis'. After the meal is finished, the principal speaker is called upon to deliver the main speech of the evening 'The Immortal Memory'. This is followed by a short appreciation of his efforts and the two other compulsory speeches, 'The Toast to the Lasses' and 'The Reply'. Other speeches can be included. Songs and recitations follow the speeches and the evening is brought to a close by the singing of 'Auld Lang Syne'.

The evening can be broken up into three main sections: the Dinner, the Speeches and The Songs and Recitations.

The Dinner
1. The Chairman welcomes the company.
2. The clergyman recites 'The Selkirk Grace'.
3. Dinner is served including the piping-in of the haggis and a rendering of Burns's 'To a Haggis'.
4. The Chairman proposes 'The Loyal Toast'.
5. The club Secretary makes an announcement about future events and plans.

The Speeches
1. The principal speaker is called upon to deliver 'The Immortal Memory'.
2. A short speech in appreciation of the speaker's efforts is given.
3. 'The Toast to the LAsses' is proposed by a gentleman speaker.
4. 'The Reply' from a lady speaker follows.
5. Other speeches and toasts can now be added.

The Songs and Recitations
1. Various songs and recitations of Burns's work.
2. The evening ends with the company singing 'Auld Lang Syne'.

As a guideline the proceedings should last from 6.30pm until 11.00pm.