Burns an' a that! 2009

Showcasing contemporary and traditional Scottish culture, from poetry, traditional and classical music, to radical new theatre, cabaret, pop music, dance and film. This traditional celebration of the acclaimed Scottish poet, will be a special one as it will be the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns, Scotland's National Bard.

This year the festival held over Ayr and Ayrshire will take place from Saturday 16th until Sunday 24th May 2009. The programme features an array of over 100 musical, performance, community and comedy events. The festival will also mark this year's Homecoming Scotland 2009 event.

There will be a wide range range of entertainment taking place both in town centres and in rural locations. On Festival Saturdays Donald Kay, Burns impersonator will perform Burns poetry on local buses travelling to festival venues as part of the festival’s 'Poetry In Motion' initiative. There's the return of The Tam O'Shanter Ride, AyrPlay, where local bands vie for the prize of a slot on the Indie stage at the O2 Indigo Festival and their own London recording session.

Headline acts, includie Rhona Cameron, Hue and Cry, The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and a performance from stars of the X-Factor Show. Festival Finale night will see Blake bridging the gap between pop and opera.

Saturday's Festival launch will kick off with an 'Open Ayr Burns Supper Barbecue'. Entertainment comes courtesy of Celtic Spirit, and Chris Tate, who will slip into the spirit of the Bard for inspired poetry readings.

Other events include:
Tam O'Shanter Ride (Wed 20 May) with 20 horses, performance, poetry and a recreation of the adventures of Burns most famous character.
Poets, Pints and Sangs, May 18th-23rd Various times and venues including Aretgo, The Treehouse, Smiths, The Twa Dugs, McArthurs, Boswells and Kando.
Burns By Bonnie Doon (Wed 20 May) at Doon Valley Museum, pupils from Doon Academy tell stories about the life and works of Robert Burns.

AyrPlay Final, (Thu 21 May) Festival Club, Wellington Square, 1900hrs, Tickets £5.
Borealis in Concert, (Thu 21 May) Burns National Heritage Park, 1930hrs
Legacy and Friends, (Thu 21 May) Wellington's Bar, Wellington Square, 2030hrs
The Bachelors Club Entertainers, (Thu 21 May) Loudon Hall, Ayr, 1930hrs

Hue & Cry Festival Club, (Fri 22 May) Wellington Square 1900hrs, £15 Buskers Bunnet, (Fri 22 May) Ayr High Street, 1200-1600hrs FREE. Performances from buskers in Ayr High Street to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Burns
The Gengrel Buddies (Fri 22 May) Tarbalton Masonic Social Club, 1900 hrs

Buskers Bunnet, (Sat 23 May) Ayr High Street, 1200-1600hrs FREE
Food, Drink, & Arts Fair, (Sat 23 May) Wellington Square, 1000-1500hrs FREE
Clarinda (Sat 23 May) Wellington Square 1400hrs FREE - new Scottish Musical based on the love affair between Robert Burns and Nancy McLehose that led to the famous exchange of letters and inspired the poet to write "Ae Fond Kiss" as a touching parting gift.
Folk Night (Sat 23 May) Festival Club, Wellington Square, Ayr. Doors open 1900hrs - Headliners are John McCusker and Friends. Support will come from The Paul McKenna Band, Emily Smith and the legendary Gaberlunzie.

Sunday Jazz (Sun 24 May) Festival Club, Wellington Square, Ayr 1200-1430hrs
Festival Finale (Sun 24 May) Wellington Square, Ayr, Tickets £20, Doors open 1900hrs - Headliners are Blake, winners of the Classical BRITs album of the year. Also performances by Battlefield Band, Clan Wallace, Innovation and Nickey Spence.

More information will be here when available.

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