The sorely-missed annual Marymass festival is finally returning this month after a two-year hiatus.
Irvine's much-loved 12-day festival is back with some brand-new activities alongside its iconic favourites like the Fourth Port parade, the festival of lights, and don't forget 'The Greasy Pole' feature.
New to the Marymass Day celebrations will be a family zone complete with a climbing wall near the greasy pole, one commitee organiser confirmed.
The spokesperson added: "We are adding a massive family zone to the greasy pole side of the moor. Free kids' activities including face painting, crafts, balloon modelling, climbing wall, kids' rides, beat the goalie, food van, ice cream van and more to be confirmed."
Also on the day, organisers have planned for stunt workers to come along and perform a joust.
The spokesperson continued: "A professional stunt team of six jousters will be taking part in the full Marymass parade from 10am and then hosting regular interactive jousts throughout the afternoon on the moor.
"They will have an arena set up at the entrance to the moor beside the market and paddock area. Each joust will have a different story to it."
Here's everything you need to know to make the most of this year's Marymass celebration...
Opening ceremony and sashing
Kicking off the 12-day event will be the sashing of the new Royal party and the choosing of the Captain of the Carters.
You can see Queen Elect Kendyl Woods and her Marys Skye Davey, Lilly Watkins, Lucie Gibson and Chloe Robertson complete their first royal duty at the townhouse on Thursday, August 11.
Entertainment will begin at 8.20 pm with the Carters arriving around 9.40pm.
Later, the Captain of the Carters will be confirmed.
Captain Danny Kerr was first elected in 2008. Will he have competition this year from a new Captain contender or will he be honoured with the role for another year?
The Carters' Fourth Port Parade and duck race
On Saturday, August 13, the annual Fourth Port Parade starts at 11am.
And there is a £100 first place prize for the best fancy-dressed child. The judging takes place at the watersports club at approximately 11.45am.
There will also be ice cream for every child in fancy dress FREE of charge, provided by Vanilla Joe’s. The duck race sets off down the River Irvine from 1pm.
Festival of Light Parade and Fireworks
Don't miss out on this glittering event. The spectacular procession will make its way from the town centre at 9pm onward to the moor for some show-stopping fireworks on Saturday, August 13.
Fun fair
Everyone's favourite fun fair is set to return to the moor from Wednesday, August 17 at 5pm. It is believed the fun fair has applied for its license until Sunday, August 21.
Marymass Dog Show
Making a fuss of Irvine's brawest pooches, the Marymass dog show will take place on Wednesday, August 17 at the Volunteer Rooms from 7pm.
Jim Young Marymass Festival 10k Road Race
Irvine Running Club is hosting its annual 10k on Wednesday, August 17 at 7pm in the Marina Drive/harbour area. Pre-entry by Sunday, August 14 with a limit of 300 competitors.
Marymass Football Derby
This year's match between Irvine Meadow and Irvine Victoria will be held at Meadow Park. Which team will take home the Irvine Herald Marymass Trophy? Kick-off is 7.30pm on Friday, August 19. Adult tickets cost £8 with concessions at £4.
Marymass Day Crowning and Moor Events
On Saturday, August 20, the glorious moment of the Marymass event will see Queen Elect Kendyl Woods crowned Queen.
The parade starts at 10am on Gottfields Road, then moves on to Bank Street, Thornhouse Avenue, Stewart Drive, Turf Corner, Bank Street, Old East Road before reaching the Townhead in time for the crowning at 12noon.
Then North Ayrshire's newest Provost, Anthea Dickson, will invite the Captain to the Moor for an afternoon of sport before the parade sets off later. Horse racing starts at 1pm.
Marymass festival committee secretary Laura Kerr said: "This is the first year back after a few years and we wanted to come back with a bang and build on expectations.
"Most of our big news is out, like the jousting, but we also have some very exciting entertainment planned for the crowning this year and a slightly different plan at the fireworks this year.
"We're working with a fireworks company we've worked with before but this year will be a wee bit more of a special display.
"We've been overwhelmed with the level of support from the community groups and inundated with people getting in touch over the years letting us know they miss the fesitival.
"We have a few new events planned and we're all so excited for everyone to have a safe and enjoyable Marymass this year.
"I'm looking forwarded to seeing the crowds lining the streets again and families enjoying the day again – hopefully, in dry weather."
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