Burns aflame
FIRE AND LIGHT – HELIX FIRE PARK Sun 1 Jan, Falkirk thehelix.co.uk A TASTE OF ISLAM + BURNS Sun 22 Jan, University of Edinburgh scotland.org/winter
This informal event provides members of the public with a tasty introduction to the diversity of Muslim communities in Scotland. Involving Muslims with connections to Pakistan, Turkey, the Arab world, Iran, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as local converts, all will bring their own unique stories and heritage to the event via some delicious homemade food. ALLOWAY 1759 Wed 25 – Sun 29 Jan, Ayr www.burnsfestival.com A unique commemoration of Robert Burns in his historic hometown, highlights include Burns Alicht, a sparkling tour of local Burns landmarks with surprises on the way; Burns Big Birthday Bash, a haggis hurling party at the cottage where Rabbie was born and Bursnfest!, a free family festival featuring live music and stalls offering delicious homegrown food and drink. The above is just a snippet of the Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme and for full details of all the events visit: scotland.org/winter
four stages hosting top artists ranging from headliners The Charlatans to well-known acts covering dance, Scottish folk and jazz. Alternatively, head to the open air Old Town Ceilidh and ‘birl’ through the bells. You can also join a spectacular torchlight procession through the city on 30th December, or take a trip to South Queensferry for the Loony Dook on 1st January, when thousands of daring individuals will take a dip in the freezing River Forth for charity. Those wishing to stay dry can take an adventurous journey through Edinburgh’s Old Town with Scot:Lands, a unique curation of music, art and theatre events led by Scotland’s most innovative artists and musicians. AFRICA MEETS TAYSIDE HOGMANAY Sat 31 Dec, Tayside Deaf Hub, Dundee scotland.org/winter
Taking in the impressive backdrop of the majestic Kelpies, this mesmerizing display combining fire, sound and light is grounded in New Year folklore aimed at deterring bad spirits and bringing forth good fortune for the year ahead. One for all the family, the fiery 4K walk features a beautiful lantern installation, glow workshop, fire performers and a giant fire breathing bird that will ignite guests’ New Year wishes for good luck.
BRING ON BURNS NIGHT
BIG BURNS SUPPER Fri 20 Jan – Sat 28 Jan, Dumfries bigburnssupper.com
Aiming to raise awareness of the rich Afro-Scottish connection that has existed for centuries, this community food event encourages locals with African heritage to prepare and share traditional dishes that their parents used to enjoy back in Africa. The fusion Hogmanay celebrations will also give African people the chance to showcase their traditional attire and dance to African music as they bring in the New Year. Now in its sixth year, this eclectic festival is all about coming together with friends, family and visitors around Burn’s Night to celebrate the very best of Scottish culture. Set in Rabbie’s beloved Dumfries, a jam-packed programme of music, cabaret, comedy and theatre culminates in the biggest street carnival in Scotland, with over 5,000 participants taking to the streets.
Set against a backdrop of beautiful boats and the former shipyard building described as Scotland’s ‘Cathedral of Engineering’, this art and light spectacular is an innovative display of glowing origami and gravity defying aerial acrobatics. On the opening night, see the Saltire blaze across the sky over historic Irvine Harbour as pyrotechnics crackle in celebration of St Andrew’s Day.
BRING ON HOGMANAY HOGMANAY AT AN LANNTAIR Sat 31 Dec – Fri 27 Jan, Stornoway lanntair.com
Traditionally, New Year is a time for people to return home and be with family, and this event provides the perfect opportunity to bring in the bells as a community. Showcasing an ever increasing line up of local talent, an eclectic cast of homegrown singers and musicians will take to the stage in an intimate and personal evening with the theme of gathering together to celebrate Hogmanay at its heart. EDINBURGH'S HOGMANAY Fri 30 Dec – Sun 1 Jan edinburghshogmanay.com
The capital’s world-famous street party needs little introduction, with
SCOTLAND.ORG/WINTER #OURSTANDREWSDAY A brand new digital guide to celebrating winter will be available from 10 November