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Around Town ,
Pro-Bums supper haggii on parade with thanks to Macsween
Burnsing it up
From tightrope-walking Tam O'Shanters to roller derbies for Rabbie, Kirstin Innes rounds up the best Burns Night events around
he man of the moment is not. as you might I mistakenly be thinking. Barack ()hama (guh! We’re so over that inauguration shiz/lel). bill a 250 year old womanising ploughman from Ayrshire. llere’s ottr guide to the best ways to mark Burns Night. Why not start things off by getting to know the fella himself a little bit better‘.’ Edinburgh’s Writers’ Museum has a collection of Rabbie‘s intimate correspondence on show until well into April. for free. We imagine that this is rather like the l8th century equivalent of reading Russell Brand's inbox. because we're sordid like that. Also in lidinburgh over Burns Weekend: Burns Midwinter Magic at the National Library. in which the te P()()Ka collective of circus performers and musicians are bringing the Burns exhibit to life by becoming the characters of ‘Tam ()‘Shanter‘ on the 24th. ()n the 25th. the National Museum of Scotland are celebrating both Burns Night and Homecoming with a huge day of Scottish-themed events and a reading by writer Matthew Fitt. Over in Glasgow. Burns an’ his Land at the Mitchell Library is a day of poetry. music and 'a look at South Glasgow farmland‘. Whether this be by guided tour or
really long telescope. it doesn't say. Alternatively. why not just soak up the atmosphere at George Square.
where Burns Illuminated. a set of light projections and
sound installations will be telling the ploughman poet‘s tale all over (‘ity Chambers from the 23rd. culminating in a performance on the 25th with the likes of the Red Hot (‘hilli Pipers and Michelle McManus. Yes. actual Michelle McManusl Prefer your celebs rather more on the starry side‘.’ Join Karen Dunbar and Hollywood‘s David Hayman for the Oran Mor Burns Supper. under Alasdair Gray's spectacularly painted Auditorium.
If all this getting out and doing things sounds a little bit too social. you could always stay at home with your haggis. Make sure you let the world know you're doing it. though: part of the celebrations Homecoming have launched include the World Fainotis Burns Supper project. complete with downloadable packs and poetry.
See www.burnsupper2()()9.com for details. and if
you've left it too late to pick up some neeps. there’s also a handy guide to public suppers to attend.
Finally. the prize for Best Burns Night Event Ever goes to Auld Reekie Roller Girls. who will be holding a Burns themed all—women roller derby at Meadowbank on the 24th. In fishnet tights. With Burnsian 'jeerleaders'. Followed by a ‘Scots-tastic. sweaty. stinking. glamorous and sophisticated after- party" at Studio 24. We think we‘re in love.
See listings for details of all events.
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OTHER AWESOME ANiiiiniSiiRiEs
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>i< Australia Day Celebrations An all-day bonza bonanza oi wobble boards and boomerangs, with a barbie on Portobello beach, an Iron Man competition on the Prom, Aussie-themed karaoke and, fabulously, a Jason and Kylie lookalike competition. Rejoice. bartenders and waiting staff of Edinburgh! Your day has come. See page 28. Edinburgh, The Espy, Mon 26 Jan.
>i= Chinese New Year Family Weekend It's not just oor Rabble with something to celebrate this fortnight, you know. The bard's birthday just happens to coincide with Chinese New Year, which, coincidentally in 2009, is all about the Year of the Ox! Geddit? Because he was a ploughman? No? Anyway, there's a day of distinctly non- Burnsian family fun happening at Kelvingrove. in association with the Ricefield Cultural Centre. Probably with dragons. Glasgow, Kelvingrove Art Gallery 8 Museum, Sat 24 Jan. =l= Darwin 2009 50 years younger than Burns and no less important for it, Charles Darwin is celebrating his bicentenary this fortnight. Well, he's not celebrating it personally. That would be an evolutionary miracle. This small exhibition at Kelvingrove gets to grips with the very biggest of the monkey man's ideas. Glasgow. Kelvingrove Art Gallery 8. Museum, Sat 31 Jan—Sun 29 Mar.
22 Jan-’3 Feb 2009 THE LIST 27