WE know there are plenty Yes groups holding events on and around Burns Night, but we have to highlight a major online event taking place this Saturday because of the possible positive impact it will have for the Yes movement.
The Believe in Scotland Virtual Burns Supper will take place on Saturday, January 23. All proceeds will be spent on campaigning for Scottish independence and they are being highlighted because they have the finest line-up to entertain and enlighten people, ranging from the best Burns and folk performers to TV and radio presenters, leading politicians and even a major TV and movie star – and nor is it because The National’s founding editor Richard Walker has joined them.
The line-up will feature readings from Brian Cox, Lesley Riddoch, Kate Forbes MSP, Eunice Olumide, Billy Kay and Brandon Malone.
Musical performances will be given by Iona Fyfe, John Hutchison and youth performers Rhianna Boyle and Eala McElhinney.
Toasts and talks will be delivered by Michael Russell MSP and Philippa Whitford MP, as well as Alistair Heather and Bill Nolan with the evening hosted by Believe in Scotland (BiS) founder Gordon MacIntyre-Kemp.
BiS said: “We have a track record of delivering high-quality online events and our virtual Burns supper format is innovative, it has not been done before on this scale and it will be great fun as well as providing a high profile event for the Yes movement, spreading the message far beyond Scotland’s borders.
“Buy a ticket for yourself, or for two or three people if you are all using the same device to participate, and we will send you a link to log in on the night. There will be two main areas, a main stage where all the performances will be broadcast – some recorded and some live – and the virtual tables.
“If you purchase a table we will allocate you a virtual table, which is essentially a breakout room where you can video chat with your friends as you eat and drink. One person needs to buy the table and tell their friends which table to log into during the event – you can get the money back from them yourselves, or even ask them to click the link to donate.
“If you buy an individual ticket you will be allocated a virtual table where you will meet new friends and maybe some old ones, but you don’t get to choose your table.”
The virtual tables will be open from 6.30pm and performances will start on the main stage at 7pm – we will break for 30 minutes for you to eat and chat with pals on the virtual tables and then back to the main stage again for the rest of the entertainment.
Tickets are just £15. Virtual tables cost £150 to have up to 10 guests at your private table. More info at www.believeinscotland.org.
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