Marymass Festival finishes in style
Thousands of locals and visitors packed the streets of Irvine at the weekend as the town enjoyed its biggest day of the year – Marymass Saturday.
Celebrations began early on Saturday morning, as the colourful parade – one of Scotland's largest horse-drawn processions – made its way through the town.
There were huge cheers as young Vicky Burns followed in the footsteps of dozens of delighted girls down the years when she was crowned Marymass Queen in front of Irvine Town House.
Both the parade – featuring local community groups, bands, dancers and businesses – and the happy crowds made their way to the heart of Marymass Saturday at Irvine Moor where they enjoyed the traditional races, fairground and entertainment, not to mention the famous Greasy Pole.
Councillor Ian Clarkson, Chair of the Marymass Development Committee, is in no doubt that this was one of the best festivals in living memory.
He said: "To say it has been a wonderful Marymass is probably something of an understatement.
"From the choosing of the Captain, and the Sashing of the Queen and her Marys, to the big parade on Saturday, it has been an outstanding success."
As well as the main event on Saturday, the Marymass Festival saw over a hundred events take place – including the Fourth Port Parade, Funday at Bridgegate, the Festival of Light and the fireworks.
"It has been an exceptional achievement," Cllr Clarkson added, "Visitors from
all over Scotland came to see the Parade on Saturday, and they would have been delighted to see one of the best ever.
"The advertising on national television and radio obviously worked, and hotels, shops, and other services certainly benefited. All those associated with Marymass should have the feel-good factor and they most certainly deserve it."