JANUARY always feels like the longest month of the year - but with payday looming, and a few more minutes of daylight to enjoy each day, people across Ayrshire may be starting to feel the urge to get out and about once again.

If you're looking for a gig, concert, or show to go to in Ayrshire this week, we've got you covered.

Here's a roundup of eight shows taking place throughout Ayrshire over the next few days...

The Bug Club at the Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine – January 24

Welsh alternative trio The Bug Club are coming to Irvine’s Harbour Arts Centre on Tuesday January 24.

Their latest release, Green Dream in F#, was released in October 2022 and sees the band question “what is art?” through a collection of snappy and witty rock songs.

Tickets cost £13 and are available for their gig here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Ashara at The Gaiety Main Theatre, Ayr - January 26

With a line-up of Canadian, West Indian, and Scottish musicians, Ashara’s music is a fusion of blend of Scottish folk, global roots, funk and reggae.

The band are currently touring throughout Scotland and will be Bringing their two-hour long gig to Ayr this Thursday.

Tickets for the show cost £14-18 and are available on The Gaiety’s website.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Best Laid Schemes of Mice & Murder at Dailly Community Hall - January 26

Can You Catch The Killer, 'Scotland’s leading murder mystery company', are bringing their interactive show to Dailly Community Hall near Girvan this Thursday.

The special Robert Burns themed play lets the audience solve the mystery of the murder of a descendant of the bard by interrogating suspects, putting clues together, and making accusations.

Tickets cost between £6 and £9 and can be purchased here.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Scrievin & Scran, An Evening of Spoken Word at the Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine - January 27

Hosted by Simon Lamb, poet, storyteller and current Scriever at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, this spoken word night will feature guest appearances from local writers and 'open' mic slots.

And in a special offer for the week of Burns Night, a half-time hot pie is included in the ticket price - now who could resist that?

Buy tickets for the event on the HAC’s website.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Jerry Taylor Show (Organised Chaos) at The Gaiety Main Theatre, Ayr - January 28

This family-friendly variety show is coming to Ayr this Saturday with original comedy sketches, music and dance performances, and surprise guests.

Scottish comedian Andy Cameron will be joining the show as a special guest.

Costing between £18-26, tickets are on sale at The Gaiety’s website.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Freddie Mercury and Elton John Tribute Night at The Gailes Hotel, Irvine - January 28

The next in the hotel’s series of tribute nights, this Saturday’s event will see two entertainers pay tribute to musical legends Freddie Mercury and Elton John.

The night includes not just entertainment but a three-course meal from the hotel’s restaurant.

To book tickets – which cost £37.50 – call 01294 204040.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Badstone at The Twa Dugs – January 28

Eclectic band Badstone are returning to Ayr pub The Twa Dugs this Saturday.

Playing rock, blues, soul, and punk music, the group’s Ayr show is just one of a slew of performances the band has been playing throughout central Scotland.

Tickets are available at the venue.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Knockshinnoch at Cumnock Town Hall – January 28

Depicting the mining disaster that saw 129 men were trapped in Knockshinnoch Castle Colliery for three days and took place in New Cumnock on September 7 1950, this dance show focuses on a “story of perseverance, hope and comradery.”

The show is directed by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Marlisa Ross and will be performed by Theatre Alliance.

Tickets cost between £13.00-15.00 and are available on Ticketsource.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Do you have any shows, gigs, or concerts you’d like us to showcase in our entertainment round-up? If so, get in touch by emailing emma.reilly@newsquest.co.uk.