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Burns Night is finally here, meaning it's the perfect excuse to dig out your tartans, splurge on some whisky and tuck into haggis!

The nation is celebrating the life of Scottish bard Robert Burns today, the day he was born. This year Burns Night falls on a Thursday - and there will be plenty of birthday celebrations for the poet across Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK.

With a wealth of restaurants serving up Burns Night menus, special suppers, and a plethora of entertainment, you'll be spoiled for choice as to where to celebrate and dine on haggis, neeps and tatties.

But don't worry - to give you a helping hand in narrowing it down, we've picked out some of our favourite events taking place across the UK, including the celebrations not to be missed in Edinburgh.

Check out some of our favourites below...

(Image: VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins)

Burns Night Edinburgh events

The Scottish capital never disappoints on Burns Night, offering up a wide array of festivals, feasts and special events as part of the celebrations.

For example, families can head to the National Museum of Scotland where their Burns Unbound free mini-festival will include a host of fun activities including poetry readings, ceilidh dance lessons, live music and more performances.

Looking for something with an extra touch of glamour? The Ghillie Dhu will be hosting a traditional Robert Burns experience - think haggis traditionally piped into the room, a reading of the poet's iconic works, and a traditional toast. Complete with live Scottish Folk music and a ceilidh of course.

Meanwhile, the picturesque Laurieston Hall will be offering plenty of fun on the Friday night, as the Flaming Heather ceilidh band offer up a musical extravaganza for you to dance along to.

If you are planning to visit the capital, check out our Edinburgh city guide for top tips on finding cheap hotels, the best restaurants and of course, the sights you won't want to miss.

(Image: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam)

Burns Night events in Scotland

It's not just Edinburgh where the Burns Night celebrations are pretty spectacular - towns and cities across Scotland will be pulling out all the stops.

For example, Dumfries and Galloway will be hosting the Big Burns Supper , a festival of arts with performances across dance, theatre, visual arts, live art and comedy. The event takes places from the 18th to the 28th January, so if you don't manage to make it out on the 25th, you don't need to miss out on all of the fun.

Of course the poet's birthplace, Alloway, pulls out all the stops in tribute to their most famous local, this year offering the Burns An' A' That Festival 2018 . Highlights include the 'Burns Big Birthday Bash' and the only Burns Supper in the world taking place at the poet's former cottage where it all began.

(Image: newcastle chronicle)

Heading to Glasgow for the big night? Head to the Old Fruitmarket where the Celtic Connections orchestra will be celebrating the life, work and legacy of the Scottish bard with an an ambitious Rabbie-themed collaboration.

Want to taste proper Scottish whisky? The Corinthian Club will be hosting a three-course meal complete with whisky cocktails and a traditional ceilidh on Friday 26th January.

Or for something a bit more laidback, head to the Stand Comedy Club on Wednesday 24th Januart for a special Burns Night comedy night.

Want a bit more inspiration? Visit Scotland has a handy guide for making the most of the night.

Burns Night in London

Whether you're a Scot living in England or Scottish at heart, London has an abundance of events to enjoy during the celebrations.

For example, foodies should head to the London Farmer's Markets , where traders will be serving up traditional Scottish dishes including haggis and potato wafers on the weekends either side of Burns Night.

Speaking of food, The Gladwin Brothers will be offering diners Scottish specials fit for the bard himself at The Shed , Rabbit and Nutbourne restaurants . Think one off Haggis Sliders and Oliver Gladwin’s traditional Deep Fried homemade Mars Bar.

(Image: The Gladwin Brothers)

Looking for a tipple instead of a sit-down meal? Mr Fogg's will be home to a traditional Scottish soiree on Bruton Lane, where guests will be welcomed by the sounds of bagpipers, poetry recitals and Haggis Pops from Scottish champions Mac & Wild.

(Image: Mr Fogg's)

Or for something a bit different, Battersea Park will have a wealth of events including a Scottish Supper Club at the Pear Tree Café , a Bagpipe Procession... and hip flasks filled with whisky to keep out the winter chill! Oh, and of course Auld Lang Syne is sung to end the highland harrar.

(Image: Mac & Wild)

Burns Night suppers and whisky tastings across the UK

Some brands will be hosting events across their venues nationwide, such as Nicholson's, who will be hosting its annual National Whisky Showcase from the 15th January to 25th February. The chain's 77 pubs will offer dedicated menus, whisky brand ambassador talks, whisky tastings, as well as exclusive offers and competitions.

(Image: Jon Parker Lee)

Young’s and Geronimo pubs will host highland flings that would make Rabbie Burns proud, complete with Scottish feasts, whisky tastings and traditional bagpipers.

If you just fancy a wee taste of the Scottish celebration, from Thursday 25 to Sunday 28 January 2018, all Young’s and Geronimo pubs venues will be offering customers a free dram of Glenfiddich - you'll need to sign up to Young’s On Tap to claim.

(Image: Jon Parker Lee)

Foodies can head to Blackfriars Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Newcastle, who will be hosting their annual traditional supper featuring Cock-a-Leekie soup, Haggis and Neeps and Tattie, or the Plough in Birmingham which promised a ‘night of feasting and drams for Burns Night’.

Meanwhile, the Bel & the Dragon country inn in Odiham will have a very special Burns Night Supper, co-hosted with Berry Bros. & Rudd.

(Image: Young's)

The evening will begin with a toast, with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut on the terrace, followed by a hearty supper with courses including scotch broth with pearl barley, aged Highland Angus rib of beef with traditional neeps and tatties. For dinner, a twist on the classic Cranachan; toasted oats, heather honey, raspberries and whisky cream. Prices from £60pp.

Or head to the seafront in Aldeburgh where the White Lion Hotel will repeat their own menu over Sunday lunch on 28th January, for those who couldn’t make the weekday event. Prices from £32pp including a tot of whisky.