B4’s Premier Burns Night Extravaganza: A Night of Scottish Festivity and Community Unity
On 25th January, B4, committed to actively connecting people in business through a collaborative and supportive community, proudly hosted its inaugural Burns Night in collaboration with Gavin Webster of the McKay clan and The Holiday Inn, Oxford. This event highlighted B4’s vision to create meaningful connections and foster a sense of community among its members.
The Holiday Inn, recently refurbished to exude elegance, served as the perfect venue for the night’s festivities. As guests entered, the soul-stirring melodies of bagpipes filled the air, setting the stage for an evening dedicated to celebrating the life and works of the iconic Scottish poet, Robert Burns. With a glass of prosecco in hand, attendees were warmly greeted by their charismatic host, Gavin Webster, and the night unfolded with a sense of camaraderie.
The event began with the traditional Selkirk Grace, symbolising the spirit of togetherness that B4 actively promotes within its community. Guests were then led into the Radcliffe Suite, where the curated community of B4 members enjoyed the warm welcome from Gavin, further emphasising the power of connection in forging lasting relationships.
The culinary journey through Scotland’s rich flavours commenced with a delectable Scottish soup known as Cullen Skink, followed by the heartiness of haggis, ‘neeps & tatties.’ The ‘piping in’ of the Haggis, masterfully conducted by Gavin, added a touch of tradition and eloquence to the evening. This was more than just a celebration of Scottish culture; it was a manifestation of the connections and bridges B4 builds within its community.
As the evening progressed, a lighthearted poem from the irrepressible Gavin injected a sense of humour whilst the culinary journey concluded on a sweet note with Scottish Cranachan Cheesecake, a delightful blend of whipped cream, oats, whisky, and raspberries.
A toast to Robert Burns marked the formal end of the dinner, but the night was far from over. The black-tie dress code, with ‘a touch of Tartan,’ added a visual spectacle to the celebration, reflecting the vibrant and diverse nature of the B4 community.
In hosting this Burns Night Gala, B4 not only celebrated Scottish tradition but also reinforced its commitment to fostering an active, collaborative, and supportive business community where members grow from shared experiences and new perspectives. The bridges built and the connections made during this memorable evening exemplify the essence of B4, where the power of connection is at the heart of everything the organisation stands for.
Discover more B4 Events
More in Conference & Events
Keble College B4 Platinum Renewal
Special things happen in the B4 community because of the growing number of wonderful people that are part of it. Nobody epitomises this more than Keble’s Head of Sales, Bronwyn Friedemann. We’re delighted that she has extended Keble’s membership for another year.
Exciting January Events for B4 Members: A Great Start to 2025
January 2025 promises an exhilarating line-up of events for B4 Members, offering opportunities to connect, celebrate, and be inspired. With three unique gatherings, B4 Members can look forward to forging meaningful connections, experiencing rich cultural traditions, and engaging with influential figures in the local community. Here’s a closer look at what’s in store:
B4 Lunch: Brasserie Blanc. Kickstart 2025 with the January B4 Lunch:...
Looking for a way to start the new year by making meaningful connections and gaining fresh insights? The B4 Members Lunch at Brasserie Blanc this January offers the perfect opportunity to connect, collaborate, and be inspired—all in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
From this author
B4 Members enjoy the company of a living legend of the...
In December at Keble College, Peter Bennett-Jones, representing the Lord-Lieutenant as one of her Deputy Lieutenants, officially endorsed Raise’24. As an established television and film producer and agent, we were delighted to recently announce that Peter has agreed to become our Patron.
Seven companies relocating to The Oxford Trust’s new Oxford Centre for...
Seven science and tech start-ups and SMEs are to move from The Oxford Trust’s current Oxford Centre for Innovation to its new location at Blue Boar Court, Alfred Street, in Oxford’s city centre.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
B4 Ecosystems are an opportunity for B4 Members to share challenges, be inspired and learn from experts in their field. They began with our Business Development Ecosystem back in March 2023, which has been lead from day one by the always impressive Caroline O’Connor of Fourth Born. Caroline has been leading from the front as our other Ecosystems learn from her impressive example. Article by B4’s Richard Rosser