Saturday 24 January 2026 saw us gather with supporters for a brilliant Burns Night celebration, marking the start of our 130th year. It was wonderful to see so many people embracing the occasion, enjoying the atmosphere, and helping to make the evening such a success for the animals in our care.

We are very grateful to our headline sponsors, the Provincial Grand Lodge of Northumberland, for their generous backing, and to our drinks sponsors, Pennine Home Improvements, who helped us welcome guests in style at the beginning of the night. Thank you as well to JCE Events for their support in helping the evening run so smoothly.

A huge thank you goes to our host, Alfie Joey, who guided the evening with warmth and humour and kept the room buzzing throughout. We also appreciate Helen Smith for her beautiful photography, capturing so many special moments, and Matty Cragg for his videography and event coverage.

Special recognition must go to our dedicated shelter staff and volunteers. The work that happens behind the scenes at events like this, on top of the care you provide every day at the Shelter, makes occasions like Burns Night possible.

If you would like to receive your photos from the night, please contact Emma.Crowe@dogandcatshelter.com

Events like our Burns Night celebration are an important part of funding the work we do, and we are incredibly thankful for the ongoing support of our community, partners, and sponsors.

Here is a video from the night, kindly put together by the talented Matty Cragg!