BURNS Suppers are always a January highlight - with food, drinking and dancing, what's not to like?
However, doing the same thing every year doesn't work for some people. And variety is the spice of life as they say.
So these are nine events taking place all across Scotland offering up something different from the usual haggis, neeps, tatties, whisky and ceilidh dances.
GLASGOW
Saturday: Reggae Burns 2020 - The big table supper
Gallowgate hotspot BAaD is hosting the inaugural Reggae Burns event tomorrow night. The event, put together by JA Live and the venue, offers an alternative celebration of the Bard featuring a three-course meal (with vegetarian options), a complimentary rum cocktail or whisky cocktail with a Scottish twist, spoken word and toast to the haggis, live music and more.
January 25, Barras Art and Design (BAaD), 54 Calton Entry, 7.30-11.30pm, £25. More details and tickets: https://www.facebook.com/events/382569792305874/
Tuesday: An Alternative Burns Night 2020
Cafe/bar Stereo is putting on a performance-based Burns event in aid of Glasgow-based arts organisation Project Ability. Host Jack McElroy is hosting the event in response to cuts to creative funding and education and hopes attendees will consider the future of the arts in relation to the Bard's legacy. There's no food on offer at this event, but there will be drag artists, poets, writers and others including Lady Rampant, Ariana Mande, Lawrence Chaney and more. An Alternative Burns Night is sponsored by The Jean Armour Burns Trust.
January 28, Stereo Cafe Bar, 20-28 Renfield Lane, 6-11pm, pay what you can. Not ticketed. More details at https://www.facebook.com/events/458806831693768/
EDINBURGH
Saturday: Burns&Beyond Culture Trail
More than 50 performers are taking part in this journey around the capital's Old and New Towns. Each venue presents a half-hour show, which will be repeated throughout the evening. Performances will come from KT Tunstall, Kinnaris Quintet, Stanley Odd and more. There will also be a whisky tasting, a silent disco and more.
January 25, multiple Edinburgh venues, 6.30-10.30pm, £25. More details at https://www.facebook.com/events/538379100289853/
Saturday: Drag 'N' Fly Burns Night Special
This drag-themed Burns event is celebrating both Scotland's national Bard AND Australia Day. Host Jordy Deelight is joined by Amy L'Amour, Tanya Windaes and Lola Fierce who will be singing live. Plus, for every pint of lager sold at the event, the organisers will donate £1 to Australia's bushfire charities.
January 25, The Fly, 48-52 Constitution Street, 8pm-1am. More details at https://www.facebook.com/events/841265646330251
BANNOCKBURN
Saturday: Burns Supper Drive Thru at Bannockburn
The Battle of Bannockburn Experience is hosting its first ever Burns Supper Drive Thru. Guests don't need to book and are invited to drive into Bannockburn, order their meal, then enjoy it in the comfort of their own car or drive home with it. Cars aren't necessary through, and organisers say all are invited - by foot, bike, or horse (like Tam O Shanter). You may even catch a bit of poetry or a song.
January 25, Battle of Bannockburn Experience, FK7 0LJ, 3.30-6.30pm. More details at https://www.facebook.com/events/529294787649120/
MUSSELBURGH
Saturday: Burns Supper Drive Thru at Newhailes
This event is exactly like the one listed above, but takes place at Newhailes House and Gardens, another National Trust venue.
January 25, Newhailes House and Gardens, EH21 6RY, 3.30-6.30pm. More details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/2598658593513396/
INVERNESS
Friday: Nae Ordinary Burns Supper
It's the 10th anniversary of the annual Nae Ordinary Burns Supper event. The supper features award-winning actors, singers, musicians, a three-course meal and ceilidh dancing. While it sounds more traditional, it promises to be a little different. Also taking place next Friday in Aberdeen at the Beach Ballroom.
January 24, Drumossie Hotel, Old Perth Road, 7pm-12am, £85. More details at: https://www.facebook.com/NaeOrdinary
ABERDEEN
Saturday: Burns Night - Scottish Tapas
A Burns Supper can be pretty heavy, especially when combined with all that booze and dancing. So why not opt for tapas instead and keep the portions small and saving room for some cranachan-based desert?
January 25, The Pier, Esplanade Sea Beach, 6-9pm, booking advised. More details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/829813960810137
ANGUS
Saturday: Alternative Burns Night at The Bothy
This event asks: What would Burns have said if he were alive today? This Alternative Burns Night brings poetry, song and music with poet Mark Thomson and musicians Neil Patterson and Jonathan Mitchell. Gin will be served during the interval and nibbles are included.
January 25, The Bothy Experience, DD18 1RT, 7.15-10pm, £25. More details at: https://www.facebook.com/events/452137185491747/
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