Come Back to Ayrshire - local landmarks and attractions

Burns an’ a’ that! Festival 2010 DARIUS, ‘POPSTAR TO OPERASTAR’ WINNER TO PERFORM ON GRAND FINALE NIGHT

posted on 24/03/2010

Featuring four spectacular days and more than 20 artists, the opening night on Thursday 27th May features music from the finalists of the AYRPLAY competition, Scotland’s biggest competition to find the latest hot property to emerge on the music scene.

Friday boasts finalists from the most recent 2009 ITV X Factor series including favourites Olly Murs, Stacey Solomon, Jamie Archer and Lucie Jones.

A complete change of pace on Saturday, as the Town Hall welcomes leading Scottish folk musicians Shooglenifty, The Wherries, Haggerdash Folk and renowned fiddler Alistair McCulloch, amongst others.

The Sunday night Festival Finale has seen a fitting close to each of the last two years’ festivals and this year is set to follow suit with performances from Scotland’s finest, with Pokey Hats, comedian Geoff Boyz, Wolfstone and Darius. An eclectic mix of bagpipes, drums, soloists, rock, latin, classical and comedy will ensure there really is something for everyone!

Darius, 2010 winner of the UK ITV show ‘Popstar to Operastar’ is set to perform at the Grand Finale. Darius, who won the hearts of the nation’s vote, is a Scottish platinum-selling recording artist, songwriter, and West End stage actor. He rose to fame in 2002 after finishing in third place on the British TV talent show Pop Idol.

In addition to the four headline events, the heart of the festival of course remains with the wide and varied programme of community events that run throughout the week. From food and drink events showcasing the best in local produce to children’s fun and games at the beach, from author talks and photography exhibitions to motorcycle madness and Ghost Walks wi’ Rabbie there really is something for everyone!

Graham Peterkin, South Ayrshire Council and Chair of the Burns Festival Board said, “This year sees a number of centenary and anniversary events in South Ayrshire and I am delighted that we can add the Burns an’ a’ that Festival to this list, as it celebrates its ninth birthday.

The Festival continues to develop and I am immensely proud that it is now recognised as the largest arts and cultural festival in the West of Scotland.

It’s an accolade it richly deserves, building on last year’s success in the Year of Homecoming and expanding the reach and appeal of the Bard to more people every year.

In 2010, we celebrate Burns with a varied programme of events at Ayr Town Hall, running alongside a series of fascinating events in and around our local communities, including the Bachelor’s Club Entertainers, Burns at the Beach and a great deal more in a fully packed, family friendly programme, taking Burns out into the local communities.

As a man of the people, Burns would have loved this, as his legacy will reach an increasingly diverse and appreciative audience in town and country alike, mirroring his own approach to his work.

The programme for 2010 will appeal to all tastes and ages, offering a mix of music and cultural entertainment.

I look forward to local residents and visitors to South Ayrshire equally enjoying and supporting the Festival as it continues to go from strength to strength.”

Malcolm Roughead, Director of Visitor Engagement at Visit Scotland said,

“We are very excited to once again support the Burns an’ a’ that! Festival and I am delighted to see the event continue to showcase the best of Scottish talent. The selection of high profile names performing in 2010 ensures the festival continues to lead through heritage and tradition and retains its appeal for all to enjoy.”

In conjunction with the Burns Festival Committee and funding partners, South Ayrshire Council, VisitScotland and Event Scotland, the festival will be supported by West FM, Turnberry Hotel and Scottish Enterprise and once again be produced by Liz Hobbs Group.

CEO of Liz Hobbs Group, Liz Hobbs MBE commented,

“We have produced the festival for the past three years and have been delighted watching it grow. We are thrilled to present another vibrant and exciting programme of events for the whole of Scotland to enjoy, and Ayrshire to be proud of. We have been trying for 2 years to bring Darius home and we’re absolutely delighted it’s at a time when he is once again enjoying such amazing success. This year’s programme highlights culture from around the world and showcases the very best work from local Scottish artists - at least one night out at the festival is essential!”

Burns an’ a’ that Festival programmes will be available from early April in local outlets. For up-to-date information on all events and for details on how to buy tickets, please go to www.burnsfestival.com

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