IT'S more than 250 years since Robert Burns came into the world in the village of Alloway, in Ayrshire, where he set one of his best known poems, Tam o' Shanter.

Now, to celebrate the birth of the bard, The Herald and Sunday Herald are hosting an event in his home town dedicated to one of the world's most famous poets.

Tickets are already on sale for The Herald and Sunday Herald Burns Event, in association with the website Alloway1759.com.

The event will be hosted at the Brig O'Doon Hotel on Sunday, January 20 and starts at 2pm.

The event includes a traditional Burns supper.

A host of well-known Scottish personalities, including comedian Karen Dunbar (pictured below), actress Libby McArthur, author Carl MacDougall and singer Nicola Cassells will be there to perform and celebrate the life and works of Burns.

Tributes will be followed by lively recitals and discussions on the life and work of Scotland's Bard.

Still Game stars Mark Cox and Jane McCarry will give the Toast to the Lassies and the Reply to the Toast to the Lassies respectively.

Rising star Nicola Cassells, an outstanding young classical singer, will perform traditional Burns songs, including Auld Lang Syne, at the event.

Tickets are priced at £30 per person and includes a three-course Burns supper and a dram. Tables of 10 are available for £300.

Tickets are available by calling 0141 302 7319 or 0141 302 7407. The booking line is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm. For more information, visit: www.herald-events.com/burns