Sinatras, Donnie Munro and Faeries Top the Bill for Homecoming Finale

A weekend of music and entertainment is planned to rock Kilmarnock as a finale to the successful Homecoming Scotland year - and to bring in the Christmas season with a bang!

The town will host a fun-packed two-day Tartan Tidings Festival, as part of the St. Andrew's weekend Homecoming Finale celebrations taking place the length and breadth of Scotland.

Donnie Munro	Peatbog Faeries	The Trashcan Sinatras

The celebrations on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 November will see headline performances in the town centre from Kilmarnock favourites The Trashcan Sinatras, acclaimed artiste Donnie Munro (former lead singer of Runrig) and festival favourites Peatbog Faeries. Taking to the main stage will also be a range of talented local and regional acts, including Andrew Merry, Men in Kiltz, Centrestage Music Theatre and Sean Jamieson.

Great music is just one aspect of the weekend celebrations. Another highlight of the festivities will be a World Record attempt, with hundreds of ‘Bravehearts' attempting to consume the largest bowl of porridge ever made!

The festivities will commence at around 11am on Saturday 28 November. On Sunday 29 November, a festive parade will commence at approximately 1.45pm from the Galleon Centre, going to Kilmarnock Cross.

Family activities on offer will include fairground rides, market stalls, festive food and street entertainment from the Swords of Dalriada and our very own Rabbie Burns, Donald Kay.

Local pubs and restaurants will also be providing sessions of traditional music during the festival period.West Sound DJs will compere on the Saturday, with Motherwell's finest, BBC broadcaster and comedian Tam Cowan, taking over on the Sunday.

The final day's packed programme of festivities will culminate with the switch-on of the Kilmarnock Christmas lights by Provost Stephanie Young.

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council said: "This amazing entertainment line-up is guaranteed to ensure that Kilmarnock is going to have one of the most enjoyable Homecoming Finale celebrations in Scotland. We are really looking forward to a tremendous weekend of Scottish culture and entertainment, celebrated in the spirit of the festive season".

Councillor Jim Buchanan, Spokesperson for Environment and Regeneration, said: "We are absolutely delighted to have signed up Donnie Munro, the Trashcan Sinatras and the Peatbog Faeries. Our two-day event will be a great celebration for local shoppers and families. East Ayrshire Council is very pleased to be working with Kilmarnock Retail Trades Association to welcome visitors from across the country to the ‘friendliest shopping town' in Scotland".

Marie Christie, Homecoming Scotland 2009 Project Director, said: "Essential to the success of the Homecoming Scotland Finale Celebrations is the creation of a strong and inspiring programme of events across Scotland. We are delighted that Kilmarnock's Tartan Tidings Festival will be part of these important celebrations."

Kilmarnock's Tartan Tidings Festival is part of the Homecoming Scotland Finale  Celebrations: Scotland's Biggest Ever St Andrew's Do. Running from 26 - 30 November, a full programme of activity is available at www.homecomingscotland2009.com