Corn Exchange, Church Street, Brighton, Thursday May 13

Starring the lady whose intoxicating larynx sang "I Want To Be-e-e-e-e Perfect" in the Eighties, this is essentially a musical gig despite being listed under the books and debates section of the Festival brochure.

The literary connection comes from the fact that the former Fairground Attraction frontwoman will perform her fave songs from Scottish poet Robert Burns.

Not just an accomplished wordsmith, Burns also created such musical masterpieces as Auld Lang Syne and My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose. He was a national icon with a reputation as a tearaway.

"Burns is like Shakespeare in Scotland," says Reader. "You do him in school. He's our national bard and he's feted in a canny historian way and you don't really learn about his life and who he was. But when I first sang My Love Is Like A Red, Red Rose, I felt that this guy was as vital as Bob Dylan."

Accompanied by a backing band which includes Radio 2 Musician Of The Year, John McCusker, Eddi will also talk about Burns' legacy and explain why his poetry and music means so much to her.

She released the album Eddi Reader Sings The Songs Of Robert Burns last year to critical acclaim and even got a letter of thanks from Gordon Brown.

Corn Exchange, 7.30pm, £10, 01273 709709