On Wednesday evening, the Ulster Hall resounded to the songs of Rabbie Burns in Ye Banks and Braes, a spectacular night of celebration.

Wilson Burgess, Ulster-Scots writer, poet and broadcaster, who gave the Robert Burns address, said the atmosphere was “electric”.

“The hall was packed to capacity, including the gallery. The audience was very receptive,” he said.

“I said the ‘Address ti a Haggis’, which went down fantastically well.

“I come from Aghadowey in north Antrim so it was easy for me to get into the role. It comes naturally to me. I am still on a high about it.”

Mr Burgess added: “Many in the audience were Burnsian people who really understood what he was about and appreciated it. He was a bit of a lothario and had many, many liaisons with women, but he was also a wonderful writer.”

During the night, Eddi Reader, the leading Scottish exponent of the Burns’ songs, joined the Ulster Orchestra in a unique collaboration which was one of the highlights of the Ulster-Scots Agency concert.

World champion piper Robert Watt, from Maghera, was joined on stage by the Sollus Highland Dancers and world champion drummer Mark Wilson.

The evening was presented by the Belfast actor, writer and playwright Dan Gordon.

The Ulster-Scots Agency’s chief executive Ian Crozier said: “Robert Burns holds a special place in the hearts of the Ulster-Scots.

“In fact the influence of Burns in Ulster is such that it was said there was a time when there were but two books in Ulster homes – the Bible and Burns.