Burns festival line-up unveiled

Burns an' a' that! is now in its fifth year

Jools Holland, The Proclaimers and opera star Katherine Jenkins will headline the annual Burns an' a' that! festival in Ayrshire.

Launched in 2002, the event celebrates the work of Scotland's Bard and showcases new cultural assets.

Former Teardrop Explodes songwriter Julian Cope, Scots singer Eddi Reader and jazz legend John Martyn will also perform at the festival.

Music, poetry, art and other events will take place between 20 and 29 May.

Linda McClure, festival director, said: "The line-up we have for this year's festival is fantastic.

"We are providing entertainment that is varied and diverse, local and international, traditional and contemporary, and we are sure that visitors will have a wonderful time."

The Proclaimers said: "We are very happy to be playing at the Burns Festival.

"In our opinion he is the greatest Scot of all time and his work is of lasting importance for Ayrshire, Scotland and the world."

One of the highlights of the event will be the Robert Burns Humanitarian Dinner.

It will honour one individual's contribution to humanity.

Last year's winner was Zimbabwean Archbishop Pius Ncube and the nominations for this year's award will be announced in May.

The festival is expected to generate a £1m boost for Ayrshire's economy.