MORE than 300,000 people tuned in from around the world to watch the first ever fully digital Big Burns Supper event.

Comedian Janey Godley hosted the celebration, which saw special guest performances from musicians like KT Tunstall, Skerryvore and Dougie MacLean and more.

The festival normally takes place in Dumfries across 30 venues, with a range of cabaret, comedy, music and entertainment on show.

On its 10th anniversary the pandemic forced proceedings online – but host Godley said she still had an “absolutely cracking night”.

The National:

“I’m still knackered,” the comedian said. “Hosting the Big Burns Supper virtual show was a proper honour.

“It was so clear from the outpouring of support and positivity from folk tuning in from around the world and raising a dram to Rab, just how vital culture and the arts are to us all. The Big Burns Supper showcased the incredible power culture and the arts have in bringing us together, providing light in dark times and giving us all a much-needed laugh!”

The event, which was streamed on Facebook and YouTube, drew in an audience of 327,000 people from Scotland and 50 countries around the world.

READ MORE: Janey Godley’s Big Burns Supper: Global audience poised to toast Burns

The festival’s executive producer Graham Main said he felt organisers had delivered an “unforgettable experience for all Scots and fans of Burns”.

“Thank you to Janey and the incredible artists who made the show such a success and of course we extend a huge thank you to those who tuned in and joined us from Scotland and across the world,” he said.

“We have been absolutely blown away by the outpouring of joy, celebration and thanks received from folk around the world - it’s been our absolute pleasure to provide a moment of light in these challenging dark times. Here’s to another 10 fantastic years of Big Burns Supper!”

The festival is still available to watch online for those who missed out.