10 of the best Scottish Festivals

With so many annual festivals happening around Scotland, it's hard to know which ones to choose. Here are some of our favourites.

Burns an' a' That May annually, Ayrshire The festivities for Burns an' a' That take place in a variety of venues around Burns' birthplace in Ayrshire.

For authentic Burns-related activities, attend a debate on some of the more controversial aspects of the poet's life and work. Or enjoy the Brig O'Doon Summer Burns Supper at the Brig O'Doon Hotel, with entertainment and guest speakers in attendance.

But there is a lot more to Burns an' a' That – headline acts for this year included Status Quo at Burns Rock at the Racecourse, and Amy MacDonald at the more intimate venue, Dean Castle at Kilmarnock.

From late night comedy to theatre, wine-tasting, orchestra and the new Festival Club, Burns an' a' That just gets bigger and better with every passing year.

www.burnsfestival.com World Ceilidh May annually, Galloway Bringing Celtic music home, the World Ceilidh is held over four days each year at Knockengorroch Farm in the unspoiled upland west corner of Scotland.

The festival not only puts traditional Celtic music in its original setting, but also celebrates fusion, world and contemporary Scottish music as a universal human communicator.

Music from all continents is booked alongside to showcase Celtic and World music in both traditional and contemporary fields.

There are shows for the kids, fire displays, cabaret and dance workshops, and don't forget the music. This year's line-up included Capercaillie, Dreadzone, the Peat Boy Faeries and more. Expect 2009 to be a great even...

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• By : Sally Toms
• In : Events
• Issue : 39
• Page : 54
• Words : 1,350