On February 10, the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace Hotel will host the 14th edition of a Scottish-themed charity gala event held in honor of world-renowned 18th century Scottish poet, Robert Burns.
Routinely raising thousands of dollars for local charities, the evening has become one of the highlights on Tbilisi’s social calendar. The Tbilisi version follows a long tradition of Burns Suppers, with sumptuous food and plentiful drink, punctuated by toasts, Scottish country dancing, a live auction, and a raffle with some magnificent prizes.
“We can’t wait to gather and once again celebrate the life and works of perhaps Scotland’s greatest son. This year’s event, like the previous thirteen, will be an absolute treat for those interested in Scottish poetry, music, cuisine, and generally having a good time. First and foremost though, this is a charity project, and we’re proud of what the event has contributed to local causes over the years. With the funds raised, we will again help three brilliant beneficiaries in Georgia,” said master of ceremonies and co-organizer of the event, Alastair Watt.
The Tbilisi Burns Supper attracts a large and illustrious crowd, and guests this year will again be greeted by the incomparable sound of traditional Scottish bagpipes, played by Richard Jasper, who has piped at the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for the last two summers.
With an authentic feel to every aspect of the occasion, supper-goers can also look forward to a parade of the haggis (a Scottish delicacy), some poetry from the incomparable Burns, and toasts including the Selkirk Grace, the Immortal Memory, as well as the Address to the Lassies and the Reply.
A mouthwatering four-course menu of Scottish-themed treats will also be served, including of course the irreplaceable haggis, while a further seal of Scottishness comes from the live music performed by the Glencraig Band, who fly in every year to play in Tbilisi, comprising Nicol McLaren (accordion), Isobelle Hodgson (piano), and Maggie Adamson (fiddle).
The delightful trio, led by McLaren, will summon the revelers to the dance floor to perform Scottish country dances such as the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant, and Strip the Willow.
The Tbilisi Burns Supper every year attracts a large and illustrious crowd
There will also be a charity auction marshalled with unique swagger by the irrepressible Cliff Isaak, who encourages guests to bid for artworks and other precious items, with the proceeds going to three terrific causes.
In particular, this year the Tbilisi Burns Supper and Ball is supporting:
Temi Community (caring for a wide range of vulnerable people) – www.temi-community.org;
The International Women’s Association of Georgia (supporting small local organizations, families, and individuals for over 25 years) – www.iwa.ge; and
Dog Organization Georgia (providing shelter for stray animals along with sterilization, vaccination and adoption programs) – dog.org.ge.
“All three charities are well known and widely respected for the amazing work they do for the community, so everyone coming to the event knows they are contributing to really valuable causes,” Watt told GEORGIA TODAY. “When doing such a major event, it’s important to have absolute trust in the beneficiaries, and we certainly have that. It’s also a broad spectrum of causes, meaning that the funds raised can have a positive impact on various people and aspects of Georgia.”
In addition to Watt, the event is co-organized by Sara Kemescei and Rhona Gillam, with all three keeping alive the annual Tbilisi tradition first established by Fiona Coxshall in 2010.
Watt outlined: “The event might be about a man and it might be hosted by a man, but it simply wouldn’t happen without some magnificent women. In particular, Sara, who will likely remain the only Hungarian to ever organize a Burns Supper in Georgia for all eternity, puts in an unbelievable amount of work to make the event such a success. She’s the driving force, make no mistake.
Everyone coming to the event knows they are contributing to really valuable causes
“My fellow Scot, Rhona, also contributes massively, and it’s a privilege to work with both of them.
“Of course, going a little further back, the mastermind of the Tbilisi Burns Supper was Fiona. Although she’s back in England these days, Fiona’s influence on the event remains. She set an incredibly high standard, and we’ve done our very best to match it. What says it all to me is that now we have an organizing committee of three people – when Fiona was in charge, it was a committee of one. She was the committee! We’ll raise a glass to her as always this year, and hope to have her back as a guest one day.”
Tickets are selling fast for what is expected to again be an unforgettable evening, so those interested are encouraged to move quickly and email burnstbilisi@gmail.com to reserve your place, while updates regarding the event are posted on the event’s Facebook page – Burns Supper & Ball Tbilisi – and the official website: www.burnstbilisi.com.
By Stuart Murdoch
