ONE of the flagship events within the Year of Scotland in Australia 2020 will help raise funds to support bushfire recovery.
For every ticket bought for the Glenturret Burns Night Supper at the Sydney Opera House on January 25, $50 will be donated between the Australian Red Cross and World Wildlife Federation.
The supper will reimagine the traditional Burns Night Supper by showcasing indigenous Australian culture alongside conventional Scottish customs.
The event is just one of many to be held as part of a year-long program of cultural and musical events.
Multi-award-winning Scottish band Breabach will travel to Sydney for the event.
In celebration of their 15th year on the road, and in collaboration with The Glenturret, the band have released a limited-edition single malt whisky. The first bottle distilled will be auctioned off, with all proceeds aiding the bushfire campaign.
The Glenturret Burns Night Supper is a four-hour feast that will feature an inventive menu created by Opera House chefs to honour Scottish traditions - such as haggis - while incorporating native Australian flavours.
Menu items such as haggis served alongside kangaroo with a root vegetable ecrase and NSW pickled mushrooms, vanilla wattle seed mousse with Cutaway Creek raspberries and a honeycomb and oat crumble will be complemented by wine, beer and premium single malt whisky from Scotland's oldest working distillery, The Glenturret.
Highlights from this night of revelry include rousing recitals of Burns' poetry, uplifting toasts such as the Piping of the Haggis, and musical performances to honour the life and work of Scotland's national bard.
Breabach, who scooped the BBC Scotland Traditional Album of the Year Award last year, will perform a set combining twin bagpipes, fiddle, bass and guitar with Gaelic vocals and step dance. They will be joined by acclaimed Indigenous violinist and vocalist Eric Avery.
Other Burns Nights suppers are being held around Australia, including: St Andrew Society of WA (sold out); Hunter Valley Scots Club; at Thai Rock, Potts Point with Governor Macquarie Memorial Pipe Band; the Caledonian Society of Glen Innes; The Robert Burns Club of Melbourne.
Tickets for the Burns Night Supper at the Sydney Opera House HERE
The Year of Scotland in Australia 2020 is the largest showcase of traditional Scottish music and heritage in Australia, ever. For detailed information click HERE