Big Burns Supper 2024 event cancelled as Scottish Government cut funding

The 2024 edition of the Big Burns Supper has been cancelled with organisers citing a "lack of funds" after the Scottish Government withdrew their primary funding.

Organisers have said they have attempted to secure alternative funding from the Scottish Government since they were notified about the loss of funding in October 2022, but have been unsuccessful in doing so.

The event has been postponed until 2025 with it being described as a "very difficult decision."

In a statement the Big Burns Supper said: "We tried to manage without this funding in our budget last year, but it proved to be very challenging because of rises in event costs and the continued cost of living crisis which is affecting how much money people have for events."

The statement added: "We do not want to compromise the artistic integrity or the safety of our event.

"Funders have said we may be able to roll our 2024 funding on to 2025, so this gives us a lot of time to match this funding.

In response to the announcement, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government investment in arts and culture will increase, so that in five years our investment will be £100 million higher than it is now.

"However due to the cost crisis we have had to make difficult choices regarding the Winter Festival Fund to live within our largely fixed budgets and this programme was closed permanently in 2022.

"Our ability to respond to the cost crisis is limited by the inactivity of the UK Government and the financial restrictions of devolution.

“We will continue to do everything within our powers and resources to help those in the culture sector most affected by current economic challenges.

“The Culture Minister will be in touch shortly to offer further advice as the event considers its plans for 2025.”

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