Burnsfest 2017 is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever before with a host of family entertainment and musical talent along with enough food and drink to get those taste buds tingling.

The free event which takes place at Rozelle Park, Ayr on Saturday, May 6 from 1pm-10pm will be headlined by 80s pop sensations The Silencers, who bring their unique blend of pop, folk and traditional Celtic music to Burnsfest for the first time ever.

The iconic festival will also feature The Christians who are delighted to play a special acoustic performance as part of their 30th anniversary tour.

Marmalade will perform their biggest hits from the 70’s and the BMX Bandits will also be on stage as well as the Rising Souls — one of Scotland’s top unsigned bands. The Kinks Experience, one of the best tribute acts in the country, will play all their favourites.

The main stage will also feature the sounds of the Scottish Isles from Tide Lines and breakthrough act North Atlas kicking off the day with their Biffy Clyro inspired rock vibe. 

The live music continues with the best in local talent performing in the popular A-Coo-Stick tent and some traditional Scottish tunes and Burns tributes as part of the Fresh Ayr Takeover (Performance Pokey).

The Bairns Bunnet in the evening showcases young talent in South Ayrshire.

There are lots of activities for kids of all ages with Forest Creature puppet shows throughout the day and all the fun of the fairground including brand new archery tag, nerf wars and crazy golf. Get creative by making your own windsock, bird feeder or even some Day o the Deid headgear and masks.

Younger children are sure to enjoy the Bairns Bunnet tent with storytelling in Scots rhyme and they also have a chance to become wild explorers - with fun interactive props, music, games and imaginative play to get involved in, this is a lot of wild fun

Burnsfest also boasts a host of new attractions this year including a visit from The Travelling Gallery – hop on board to see contemporary art exhibition Eat Sleep Work Repeat.

There are two nature Ranger led walks at Rozelle Park and you can also pop into the storytelling yurt to hear some stories from the Shire. Don’t miss Burns Cronies around their fire pit and be sure to make a visit to the Poe-Tree to become inspired.

Look out for the Time Travelling Victorians and the cast of Tam o’ Banter as part of Openair Burns. Appearing on the main stage is the well-known comedy act Fingal and Angus with more comedy sessions in the evening at the Performance Pokey.

The Mercat has some great produce and a fantastic range of street food on offer. Bring your picnic blanket and choose from stovies, pizza, Mexican food, Chipstix, ice-cream and much more. The Burns Wine Bar and Beer Garden will also be open throughout the day.

Jill Cronin, Head of Enterprise, Development and Leisure for South Ayrshire Council said: “Burnsfest gets bigger and better every year and I would like to thank event sponsors Burns Pet Nutrition and Owen Kerr Signs for their support. 

“This unique event gives us the opportunity to not only showcase local talent but feature some musical legends in the heart of South Ayrshire. There is a real family feel to the event with entertainment and performances throughout the day so don’t miss out on the Burnsfest experience…you won’t be disappointed."

There will be a free shuttle bus running from Ayr Train Station to Rozelle Park on Saturday 6 May from 12.30pm – 10.30pm and free parking on site.

Look out for other events taking place throughout May as part of Burnsfringe including Food & Folklore at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Drouthy Cronies at Souter Johnnies Art Gallery and The Land o’ Burns 10k race around Burns country.

There are also brand new events like the Land o’ Burns Weekender at Ayr Rugby Club - featuring beach rugby.

For more information on Burnsfest and Burnsfringe got to www.burnsfestival.com