Bushfire fundraiser will be held on Australia Day at Edinburgh Bar

The Globe has close ties with the country and the celebration will raise money to help those affected

The annual Australia Day celebration will take a charitable turn this year

This year’s Australian Day celebrations at Edinburgh’s Globe Bar is to be a fundraiser for the ongoing bushfire relief efforts.

The Cowgate hostelry has a strong affinity with the city’s backpacking community, many of whom visit the Capital from Down Under.

Each year The Globe marks Australia Day on January 26 with a special party and this year’s festivities are being staged to raise money to assist those badly affected by the natural disaster sweeping the country.

A free BBQ will begin at 1pm with a range of speciality Australian snacks and beers having been ordered in for the occasion to give the Aussies a taste of home.

There will be re-runs of classic Aussie Rules football matches during the day before a DJ takes over in the evening.

Bucket collections will be taken throughout the celebration which goes on until 3am, while a special pub quiz the following night at 10pm will also be held to raise funds with the first prize including an Aussie goody bag and £50 bar tab.

Chris Skene, manager of The Globe said: “We always celebrate Australia Day here as we have a lot of customers from that part of the world.

“This year will be more emotional than usual given the disastrous fires sweeping the country and we are pleased to do our little bit to help.

“It’s all very well sending our thoughts and wishes but at the end of the day it’s hard cash which is going to make a difference.”

Entry is free but donations to the cause are encouraged. The Old Town Pub Co who own The Globe have pledged to double whatever amount is made.