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.
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