Murder & A Dance Floor - Rabbie Burns style
by Neha Gosalia
Robert Burns was many things – a poet, a lyricist, a liberal thinker. According to local Scot, Chris Hutton, he was also just ‘a sucker for love’. Love that has permeated through centuries and across the globe. Haven’t we all, at some point, swayed emotionally to the timeless ‘Auld Lang Syne’ arms linked with friends and strangers, in love with everyone and the moment?
The Arrowtown Burns Supper and Ceilidh is the local edition of a Scottish tradition that celebrates Rabbie, as he is affectionately known, and is back for its fifth year on Saturday, 24 January. Organiser and Edinburgh native Chris promises, “an immersive experience complete with a haggis supper, single malt scotch tastings, entertaining speeches, and of course, lively ceilidh music and even livelier dance.”
Like all good ideas, the first event originated with Chris musing over a pint – wouldn’t it be nice to bring people together for a party to dance away lockdown blues. Friends and volunteers rallied, and in less than two months, created an epic night. Thumping tunes by local ceilidh band, Hair O’ The Dog got everyone moving, ‘Caller’ Ross Johnston guided the crowd through Scottish country dances, and all were entertained by unique rituals and speeches included ‘murdering’ a ceremonial haggis, ‘Toast to the Lassies’ and ‘An Immortal Memory’ and more all written and performed by local Scots. Everyone involved insisted on a sequel, and subsequent events have sold out every year.
“Burns Suppers happen in every village, town and city in Scotland, and globally wherever Scots live. They are a wave of joy – dancing with strangers of all cultures, talking nonsense and sharing silliness and fun! But it’s also about bringing relevance of Burns’ ethos to our community today – for expats it’s a piece of home for one night, an opportunity to connect, that daily life doesn’t often allow,” Chris says.
While back in Scotland, the hearty food and drinks, gathering and dancing are all ways to warm up in the depths of winter, a Central Otago summer ceilidh might get a tad sweaty. Summer sundresses are acceptable attire, but for those keen to parade their tartan, there will be prizes for best dressed! Whether you’re a seasoned ceilidh veteran, or a curious first-timer, a good time is guaranteed, but a ticket is not – so buy yours today before they sell out via the Facebook event or on Humanitix.
