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Scotland's first festival of song
21/09/2005
Burnsong, a national search for new songwriting talent, has identified 17 winning entries which will be performed at Scotland's first festival of song in November.
The winning songs will be performed on St Andrews Day at Burnsong - Live! in Dumfries, which has been supported with £20,000 from EventScotland.
Burnsong was created by Dumfries and Galloway Arts Association to celebrate the spirit and legacy of Robert Burns in preparation for 2009, the 250th anniversary of his birth.
It launched on Burns' Day, January 25, 2005, inviting anyone living in Scotland to write a new song in any style or genre. A panel of leading musicians and songwriters chose the winners from the 800 entries submitted.
Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson also announced today that the Executive, through the Scottish Arts Council, has pledged a further £80,000 to support Burnsong over the next year. She said:
"This song search has uncovered a treasure chest brimming with Scottish songwriting talent. It illustrates the power Burns still has to inspire new generations of Scots.
"Burnsong provided a unique opportunity to get involved in creating songs, and judges were deluged with entries from children and adults throughout Scotland.
"As we move towards the Burns Year of Homecoming in 2009, I'm committed to ensuring his legacy is given the support that befits one of our national icons."
Burnsong is supported by media partners Scotsman Publications and BBC Radio Scotland.
The 17 new songwriters will join professional songwriters and performers at Burnsong - Live! Scotland's first festival of new song, in Dumfries from November 25 to 30, 2005.