People across Scotland are being invited to raise a glass and toast the bard as part of an expanded festival taking place in his name. The 2019 Burns an' a' that! festival is set to bring a fantastic programme of new events and family favourites as South Ayrshire celebrates the 260th anniversary of Burns' birth in Alloway.
There's a host of activity planned for January including:
New free 'Burns Hame Toun' family event with The MacDonald Brothers and Clanadonia and entertainment including horse & cart trips, Scottish street food, poet's podium and more.
The day concludes with a Burning Burns Finale on the Auld Brig (Sun 27 Jan 12 – 5pm)New 'Burns Hame Toun Live Music Nights' live music nights from Karen Mathieson, Horse, Carol Laula and Mànran (Fri 25 Jan & Sat 26 Jan, Ayr Town Hall)New World's First Burns Supper Drive Thru (Sat 26 & Sun 27 Jan 3-7pm)New Burns 19 (Sat 26 Jan 6-10pm)Centre for Robert Burns Studies Annual Conference (Sat 12 Jan, Burns Museum)Wreath Laying
Commemoration Service (Fri 25 Jan, 12pm, Burns Statue Square)The announcement of the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 2019 (Wed 23 Jan)
All of this plus haggis hoolies, Burns Suppers, theatre, musical performances and even a hairy haggis afternoon tea, help to create a programme that the bard would be proud of.
Councillor Brian McGinley, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Economy and Culture said the programme was shaping up to be one of the best ever, "Every year thousands of people come to South Ayrshire to celebrate the birthplace of the Robert Burns and the 260th anniversary programme promises to be one of our most memorable years.
"Through events like these we're putting South Ayrshire on the map as a go-to destination as we celebrate the rich tradition of Burns in as diverse a way as possible.
"With a broad range of free and affordable entertainment on offer I'd urge anyone looking for a great day out to save the dates and raise a glass to Scotland's national bard."
Burns Hame Toun was successful in securing £25k in funding from EventScotland through the Burns Night element of the Scotland's Winter Festivals programme. This event will put South Ayrshire on the stage as one of Scotland's primary Burns Night events.
Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development Ben Macpherson, said, "Burns Night is one of Scotland's most well-known and best loved national days, celebrated by millions around the world. Our national bard is one of our favourite icons, and each year Burns Night is a chance for us to come together, celebrate his poetry, enjoy the occasion and affirm some of our country's most important values - fairness, equality and internationalism."
For further information on all events visit the Burns an' a' that website.External link
Live music tickets available from Ayr Gaiety websiteExternal link or 01292 288 235
For events held at Robert Burns Birthplace Museum – check out the websiteExternal link or contact 01292 443 700 for further details.
Plus save the date now for our May Burns an' a' that! events including family live music festival Burnsfest! (Sat 4 May, 1-10pm, Rozelle Park, Ayr) and more.