Living Without Abuse hosted a glittering Burns night evening on Friday, 27 January to mark the birthday of famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.

The charity event raised £810.73 and welcomed VIP guests Jennifer Tillotson, Mayor of Charnwood and Jane Hunt MP.

This fun evening of Scottish tradition, including a wee dram thrown in for good measure, was sponsored by Loughborough Boat Club and Nook Corner Catering & Events.

The evening began with Selkirk Grace, followed by a traditional Burns Night Supper including haggis, neeps and tatties. Councillor Paul Baines recited Burns’ famous Ode to a Haggis culminating in a toast to the chef, piper and, of course, the haggis itself. There were recitations of Burns’ work toasts and even a game of ‘Haggis, Neeps and Tatties’ described by Councillor Baines as ‘a real hoot’.

Highlights included superb bagpiping by Bill Pepper, who has been piping in military tattoos and prestigious events across Europe for over 45 years, the Toast to the Laddies given by MP Jane Hunt and the Mayor of Charnwood’s hilarious address followed by expert drawing of the raffle!

Special thanks to the sponsors: Sharon Pole of Nook Corner Catering & Events plus Loughborough Boat Club; and to the raffle prize donors: Reel Cinema, Morrisons Loughborough, Tesco Extra Loughborough, Next Leicester, Feet@TheClinic, Charnwood Brewery, and Rupert Matthews the Leicestershire Police & Crime Commissioner.

LWA Head of Fundraising, Emily Corrigan, commented: “A great night was had by all! Everyone came to have fun, celebrate Robbie Burns and support LWA. The atmosphere was electric, and we even had an impromptu ceilidh at the end of the evening. Can’t wait for next year’s event.