Senior Prefects hosted an Annual Burns Night Celebration at the College last week. A total of 85 guests from Strathearn School, Regent House, Bloomfield Collegiate, Bangor Grammar, Sullivan Upper School, Belfast Royal Academy, Methodist College Belfast, Victoria College, Rockport School and The Royal Belfast Academical Institution attended.  Headmaster Mr. Robinson was delighted to welcome so many young people to the event to form friendships across our community and to share in the celebration of Robert Burns. 

Everyone attending had been encouraged to wear a 'hint' of tartan. It was delightful to see some going further, especially all representatives from RBAI looking splendid in full traditional dress. An initial reception of 'Glasgow Fizz' (Irn Bru served in Champagne Flutes) was followed by a ceilidh in Central Hall. So many had never experienced Scottish country dancing before, the 'Dashing White Sergeant and 'The Gay Gordons' proved irresistible and all young people participated. It was great to see what fun they had reeling around the room! 

Dinner then followed with the normal traditional experiences of Burns Night, with lots of piping and drumming as well as much fuss being made of 'the best Haggis in Ulster'. Harry (Campbell College, Year 14) gave a poetic recital as an ‘Address to the Lassies’, with Jess (Strathearn School, Year 14) responding in kind 'to the Laddies'. The light spirits were then further encouraged by Emer Maguire, a local singer/songwriter who spoke and sang on ‘The Science of Love’, following a recitation of Robert Burns' ‘My love is like a red, red, rose..."

The Headmaster remarked... It was a lovely night. Our grateful thanks to Matthew Warwick of the Ulster Scots Society whose rendition of 'An Address to the Haggis' is something to behold. Finally, immense appreciation to the Campbell pipers and drummers, Matthew, Angus and Aaron, particularly for 'Auld Lang Syne' as we parted.

Excerpts from the evening can be seen in the video below: