New format Burns an’ a’ That! Festival draws huge crowds to Belleisle

Superb crowds, family fun, excellent entertainment, beautiful weather – and a finale gig that would have had Burns himself dancing in the aisles!

That’s the story from this year’s Burns an’ a’ That! Festival 2013, where a new look – and a fantastic line-up of Scottish stars – proved to be a real crowd puller, offering live music, visual and performance art, and fantastic family fun during the successful three-day event.

The Festival, supported by South Ayrshire Council and VisitScotland – is an annual tribute to Scotland’s internationally acclaimed poet Robert Burns and celebrates the best of Scottish talent. This year it also formed part of The Year of Natural Scotland.

Speaking after the festival, Councillor Bill Grant, South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Enterprise, Tourism and Leisure said: “This year’s new festival format has proved to be very successful, and the crowds in Belleisle Park were absolutely fantastic.

“Widening the attractions we offered to include family activities, fun for children and a host of craft, cultural and artistic events brought more people into the spirit of the festival, and I’ve no doubt Burns himself would have loved every minute of it!”

Burns an’ a’ That! kicked off with Festival Friday in Ayr town centre, with Buzzbeak, a giant interactive bird made entirely from Landrover parts, meeting residents and visitors. The willow weaving workshop was kept busy and live music at the Wellington Bar helped take the shivers off those who had completed the Alloway Ghost walk!

A packed Belleisle Park hosted the new ‘Weekend in the Park’ on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May and presented a holiday atmosphere with families picnicking in the grounds, a live music tent, a fairground, arts and crafts market, outdoor arts and performances – and much, much more – all enjoyed by hundreds of visitors, many of whom were new to the Burns an’ a’ That! Festival.

The mouthwatering attractions were complemented with delicious food offerings from Costley & Costley and a tapas treat from Foood, helping to tickle the tastebuds and get appetites ready for the live music in the tent, which off at lunchtime.

A packed programme included s sets from Rose Parade; Taylor and Leigh; SIIGA; Sketch and was headlined by the ever-popular 80s band The Bluebells who receive a rapturous South Ayrshire welcome.

Sunday’s live music event proved equally popular and featured The New Piccadillys, Pronto Mama and a swing jazz sound from Rose Room.  The 2013 Burns an’a’ That! Festival was brought to a superb close with a Finale gig starring Justin Currie of Del Amitri, supported by Rachel Sermanni at Ayr Town Hall.

Councillor Grant concluded: “This year’s Burns an’a’ That! Festival was the best yet and offered an excellent mix of top class music, events and attractions with families in mind.

“Best of all, most if was free and it has helped elevate the Burns an’ a’ That! Festival still further – from a superb annual tribute to our national Bard – to an absolute must visit weekend in the national Scottish event calendar!”

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

South Ayrshire Council is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.