The treasurer of Ballymena Services Club, William Miller, hosted the club’s first Burns Night this weekend.
Speaking before the celebration, he told BBC News NI: “There is a strong Ulster-Scots dimension to the culture of Ballymena.
“We will have a wee tipple, and we’ll be more confident in our understanding of the role Rabbie Burns has in our Ulster-Scots culture, even today.
“We encourage as many people as possible to wear tartan. We parade in the haggis, and address the haggis,” he said.
It’s a night celebrated with the traditional dinner, and a wee dram (whiskey – or whisky, if it is Scottish).
“After dinner, we have music and poetry all reflecting on the Burns era,” he said.
He said it’s important people appreciate Burns’ work.
“We encourage people to just sit down and read the poetry. All of a sudden, they start to see the story,” he continued.
William believes Burns Night is important to his community’s identity.
“It helps us understand who we are and where we come from and what the culture is based on.”