Wycombe Abbey hosts Eton College for Caledonian Society’s annual Burns Night Ball.
20 January 2026 - All
In the heart of January, our Caledonian Society hosted its much‑anticipated Burns Night Ball with Eton College.
Rooted in customs that date back to the early 1800s, Burns Night remains a celebration of Scottish heritage. It continues to be a cherished cultural moment defined by poetry, music, food and dancing, all in tribute to Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns.
This year’s celebration on 11 January 2026 was no exception. With around a hundred Sixth Formers filling Big School, the evening commenced with the iconic address to the haggis, carried ceremoniously by Teacher i/c of Caledonian Society, Mrs McNeill, and set to the evocative sound of bagpipes. Pupils reflected that the moment ‘kicked the evening off with a lively tone and got us into the spirit for the dances to come.’ From there, dance cards were filled at speed, before pupils and their visiting peers from Eton took to the floor.
Accompanied by the superb Craigievar Ceilidh Band, guests moved through an impressive repertoire of traditional dances: The Dashing White Sergeant, Eightsome Reel, Duke of Perth, Gay Gordons, the Reel of the 51st, and the always‑electrifying Strip the Willow. As two sixth formers, Mati and Louise, shared, the evening was ‘filled with laughs and some mal-coordinated moves,’ adding that spending time with their Eton partners proved ‘extremely enjoyable and entertaining.’
A big thank you to the teachers who joined the festivities, and especially to Mrs McNeill, praised by many for organising what pupils described as an ‘unforgettable event.’ Additional congratulations go to Heads of Cal Soc Margot, Gabby and Amelie for all their support during the evening too.
Beyond the spectacle, Burns Night holds a special place in the School calendar because it gives pupils the chance to come together in a shared celebration and connect with a cultural tradition that has been enjoyed for generations. For boarders, the evening has an added significance in that it brings together pupils from outside their immediate community, allowing them to share an experience with another school and build connections that continue long after the evening ends. Events like this also reflect the School’s commitment to offering co‑curricular opportunities that encourage genuine interaction, broaden perspectives and help pupils feel part of a wider world beyond their House or year group.
We look forward to our next ceilidh with Eton in the coming weeks!
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