Virtual Burns Supper from Forres attracts performers from all over, including Canada

ORGANISERS of a virtual Burns Supper being held to raise money for charity have planned a night of entertainment including a performance from Canada.

Flying Mirrors Photography and Video owners, Alex Wright and Sara Brockbank, are staging ‘Burns Fae Forres’ to raise funds for the Moray Emergency Relief Fund on Burns Night - January 25 - and will include all of the traditions associated with a Burns Supper.

The couple, who are working alongside event organiser and local independent publicist, Claire Doughty, were overwhelmed when an offer of Highland dancers came in all the way from Canada.

Claire said: "I was contacted by a Scottish dance troupe from Canada after we issued an appeal for dancers. They visited the Forres Highland Games in 2019 and the owner of their dance school confirmed her dancers would love to support the town once again. Our first donations for the fund also came in from America, so it seems the world is watching Forres!"

She added: "We have been overwhelmed by the support from performers, many of whom are professionals and have also been hit hard by the effects of coronavirus. We were also delighted to be contacted by AES Solar from Forres who have offered to make a contribution to the individual performers."

As well as Highland dancing, the event will showcase other local fiddle players Sarah Perricone and Ewen Brindle, and local singer Heather Hatch will perform 'Green Grow the Rashes'.

A poem will be read by Stewart Friendship, whilst guests will be encouraged to dance to a ‘living room ceilidh' run by Peter Vallance.

The event will be rounded off with a performance of 'Auld Lang Syne' by Mod gold medallist, Eilidh Davies.

"We have also received support from Universal Hall Productions and Macbeth’s Butchers," said Alex. "Whisky brand ambassador Struan Ralp and local businesswoman Ruth Scott are going to do the toast to the lassies and the response, whilst Kathleen Robertson from Forres has offered to do 'The Immortal Memory'. We had already received support from Moray's Lord Lieutenant, Major General Seymour Monro, who will host the evening, whilst deputy lord lieutenant of Moray Alan James will perform the address."

Attendees are being asked to make a voluntary donation to the Moray Emergency Relief Fund and encouraged to make haggis, neeps and tatties to enjoy whilst being entertained.

"The great thing about the event," added Sara, "is that people can just sit back and enjoy it from the comfort of their own homes. They don’t even need to turn on their cameras if they don’t want to, they can just watch the proceedings."

To get a ticket for the event visit: https://bit.ly/2LzRqKe

The event link is https://www.facebook.com/events/757843631806089