The annual Big Burns Supper festival has started in Dumfries, with music, comedy and parades marking the birthday of Robert Burns.
The nine-day programme held in celebration of the Bard also involves a carnival and cabaret acts from across the UK.
The Bay City Rollers, The Beat, Eddi Reader and comedians Jason Byrne and Andrew Maxwell will perform at the event, which runs from January 22 to 30.
The festival - now in its fifth year - is said to be one of Scotland's fastest-growing cultural events, with events for all ages.
Thousands of visitors are expected to parade through the streets for a lantern-lit carnival on the eve of the Bard's birthday on Sunday.
Organisers said it will involve hundreds of costumed performers, floats, bands and fireworks.
Last year the event attracted an audience of about 30,000 people.
Graham Main, Big Burns Supper artistic director, said: "We get big names coming from all over the country because they love being part of a celebration which is about Burns, Scotland and all that's best about life."
The Big Burns Supper is supported by Holywood Trust, EventScotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council, who gave £45,000 to help fund the festival.
Ranking Roger, a member of The Beat, said: "We're really looking forward to being there.
"You always get the strongest reaction from Scottish audiences - if they like you, they really let you know, and they'll let you know if you're rubbish too."
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