Every year, Scotland commemorates the life of the bard Robert Burns on Burns Night (January 25), and the Isle of Wight is offering plenty of ways to celebrate.

  • See our list of Isle of Wight Burns Night events below

People gather at dinners, parties and events and enjoy a traditional meal of haggis, neeps and tatties to celebrate the life and work of Burns – who is often considered the national poet of Scotland.

The first Burns Night occurred in 1801, five years after he died, and falls on the same night every year, January 25, which coincides with his birthdate.

White Horse Inn

The oldest pub on the Isle of Wight, the White Horse Inn on Main Road, Whitwell, is hosting its special Burns Night celebrations today.

The pub is offering a Burns Night menu all day on its specials board, and there will be buy one get one free on all drinks between 7pm and 9pm.

Andrew the Piper will be playing the bagpipes for patrons during the evening.

Call to book your table on 01983685424.

Loveland Hall

There are still some places available to celebrate Burns Night at Loveland Hall on Melville Street in Sandown.

The venue’s entertainment partners, Aled Prince Productions, will bring a night of entertainment, with a full Rabbie Burns experience, Scottish dancing, singing and, of course, the unmistakable sound of bagpipes, on Friday (January 26).

To book, email lovelandhall@gmail.com

The Old Village Inn

The Old Village Inn on Bembridge High Street is offering a ‘flexible’ approach to Burns Night this year.

Available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, visitors can choose from the pub’s specials or opt for a three-course menu.

See the full menu on The Old Village Inn Facebook page and book on 01983 872616.

Boojum&Snark 

Boojum&Snark in Sandown is holding its Burns Night celebrations today.

Inspired by the owner’s honeymoon in Edinburgh, the High Street venue is offering a ‘mash bar’ menu – pick your mash, main with sauce and side.

All meals come with a pint of Boojum&Snark’s own brewed beer.

Visit their website to find the full menu and booking details.

The Kitchen at London House in Ventnor

There are only a few places left to enjoy a Burns Supper at the Ventnor High Street-based The Kitchen at London House today.

The venue opens at 6.30pm, with complimentary drams of whiskey available. The haggis, accompanied by the bagpipes and host for the evening, Adam Pratt, will arrive at 7pm.

A five-course meal will follow after.

Entertainment will be on offer through the evening, with poetry, traditional Scottish melodies and bagpipes.

See the full menu on The Kitchen at London House Facebook page.

Snacks and Ladders

Newport’s Snacks and Ladders will provide a night filled with bagpipes, Scotland-inspired quizzes and a menu filled with its own twist on Scottish classics.

Test your knowledge of Scottish culture with the Snacks and Ladders quiz, with prizes awaiting the sharpest minds.

The menu features haggis, of course, and includes vegetarian and modern twists on traditional favourites.

Whisky tasting will also be available, with three single malt whiskies to try.

Snacks and Ladders’ special event gets underway at 6.30pm this evening, at its Upper St James Street base.

You can book your space now on the Snacks and Ladders website.

The Isle of Wight Caledonian Society

Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Caledonian Society will enjoy its celebrations at the New Holmwood Hotel on Queen’s Road, Cowes, on Saturday.

Wight Hot Piper Kieron Cooney will play the bagpipes at the event, which will include a five-course meal, speeches and Scottish County Dancing.

A booking form is available on the Isle of Wight Caledonian Society website, or you can send them a message via their Facebook page.