On Saturday, January 30th, the British Chamber of Commerce in Lithuania held its 11th Annual Traditional Charity Event, Burns Night to celebrate the birthday of the Scottish national poet, Robert Burns (1759 – 1796), and to raise funds for the Lithuanian charity „Mamų Unija“, supporting the children suffering from cancer in Lithuania. The event was held in Vilnius City Hall (Vilniaus Rotušė) and hosted 180 guests from different countries including, of course, Scotland, England and Lithuania. The charity raffle raised 15000 litas.
Chris Butler, the chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce and Master of Ceremonies at Burns Night was pleased that even in times of economic recession there are people willing to attend Burns Night popular all over the world and kindly donate to the charity. “I am delighted that not only the Scottish gaiety, but also our national traditions are acceptable by Lithuanian guests, who attend Burns Night every year and willingly donate to the charity”, said Chris Butler.
This year Guests at Burns Night were entertained by “Saor Patrol” Celtic rock and folk group from Scotland, which has absulutely fascinated most of the guests with their visual image and vibrant energy during their stage performance.
Burns Night in Vilnius was celebrated in a Scottish traditional manner and had most of the essentials necessary for a success of this event. The chef brought out the haggis (a traditional Scottish dish made from sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, salt, and stock and boiled in the sheep’s stomach) and was accompanied by bagpiper , member of Saor Patrol, Charles Allan. BCC Board member Mike Little recited Burn’s “Address to a Haggis”. The original haggis from Scotland was served to the guests courtesy of “West of Scotland Colleges Partnership”.
After supper, the Loyal Toast was said by Simon Buttt, Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador. Traditional “Toast to the Lassies”and “Reply from the Lassies” were delivered by Peter Cheney, guest from Tallinn specially on Burns Night occasion, and Penny Miller.
Burns Night continued with traditional Scottish country dancing accompanied by Benachally ceilidh band from Scotland, where energetic Scotsman and ceilidh caller Jake Donnelly managed to pull out even the most passive guests for a dance .
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