On February 7, the Sheraton Grand Tbilisi Metechi Palace Hotel will host the 16th staging of a Scottish-themed charity gala celebrating the life and legacy of the internationally celebrated 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns.
Since it was first launched in 2010, the Burns Supper has raised many thousands of dollars annually for local charitable causes, firmly establishing itself as one of the most prominent fixtures on Tbilisi’s social calendar. The Georgian capital’s event proudly takes its place among the many Burns Suppers held worldwide—from Albuquerque to Arbroath, and from Wellington to Wick—which traditionally occur on or close to Burns’s birthday on January 25.
A Burns Supper is known for its excellent food, generous refreshments, lively speeches, and Scottish country dancing, and the Tbilisi celebration delivers all of this in abundance, and more. The Tbilisi program also includes a live auction and a raffle offering a selection of impressive prizes.
As in previous years, guests will be welcomed by the distinctive sound of Scottish bagpipes, performed by Jim Gray, who has previously played at the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
With authenticity woven throughout the evening, attendees can expect the ceremonial procession of the haggis—a classic Scottish dish—recitations of Burns’s poetry, and a series of traditional toasts, including the Selkirk Grace, the Immortal Memory, the Address to the Lassies, and the Reply.
A lavish four-course menu inspired by Scottish cuisine will be served, featuring haggis among its highlights. Adding further authenticity, live music will be provided by the Glencraig Band, who travel to Tbilisi each year. The band comprises Nicol McLaren on accordion, Jim Nichol on piano, and Maggie Adamson on fiddle.
Led by McLaren, the trio will entice guests onto the dance floor for classic Scottish country dances such as the Gay Gordons, the Dashing White Sergeant, and Strip the Willow.
One of the evening’s central fundraising components—the charity auction—will once again take place, with Cliff Isaak presiding as auctioneer. As always, he will encourage spirited bidding on artworks and other valuable items, generating vital funds for the supported causes.
This year, the Tbilisi Burns Supper and Ball will raise funds for the following organizations:
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.
“Each of the three charities we support is highly regarded and widely respected for the genuinely impactful work they carry out, so attendees can be certain that they’re contributing to causes of real value,” co-organizer Alastair Watt tells GEORGIA TODAY.
“When organizing an event of this magnitude, having complete confidence in the recipient organizations is essential, and we absolutely have that. Together, these causes span a broad range of needs, ensuring that the funds raised make a meaningful difference across many areas of Georgian society,” he adds.
While the Tbilisi shindig follows a tried and trusted format, there has been some flexibility and innovation through the years. In particularly, recent editions have seen the inclusion of a celebrated opera singer and an internationally acclaimed country and western musician (both Georgian natives).
And this year, Watt reveals, there may be one or two surprises in store: “We’re faithful to the format we inherited from the inimitable Fiona Coxshall in the last 2010s. She laid such classy and solid foundations that our job as successors has been to somehow match the high standards she set. I don’t think she’ll mind me claiming that we seem to have achieved that.
“At the same time, we’ve kept things sufficiently fresh, adding a few little touches every year. I think our regulars appreciate that. They know it’ll be one of their best nights of the year, but they also know each supper has its own distinct flavor – and this year we have a couple of treats up our sleeve for the crowd,” he says.
Tickets are selling quickly for what promises to be another memorable evening, and those wishing to attend are encouraged to act fast by emailing burnstbilisi@gmail.com to secure their place. Updates about the event can be found on the Facebook page Burns Supper & Ball Tbilisi and on the official website at www.burnstbilisi.com.
By Fran Healy
