Dreghorn Gala returned for the first time in 14 years on Saturday, June 17 with a parade, stalls, arts and crafts, a tombola, a tug of war, food stalls and a funfair.
The last event was held in 2009, after which the committee resigned from their positions and no others were interested in forming a new one.
This year new committee members came together to bring Dreghorn Gala back for the local community.
Pick up this week's Irvine Herald for more pictures from Dreghorn Gala Day.
The royal party included first-ever King Leo Mullen, along with Queen Lauren Beattie and attendants Orla Cassidy and Aaron Morton.
The committee secured funding by holding fundraisers throughout the year including a comedy hypnotist night and a drag queen comedy show. They have also received funding from various businesses within Dreghorn including the butchers and Springside taxis.
Meg Frew, committee chairperson, commented: “There was a lot of hard work behind the scenes. It was stressful trying to pull it all together but was so worth it seeing everyone enjoy themselves."
Committee member, Sophie McLeish, decided to join the gala committee as it was a huge part of her childhood with her mum Christine being part of the committee until 2009.
Sophie said: "Dreghorn's community spirit once again came out in abundance and it was great to see. We had so many people volunteer to help us steward the parade, including my mum and another member from the last ever committee, Janie Bryce. We couldn't have done this without them all so thanks to every single one of them.
"The day was so exciting for the whole community. The morning was a bit stressful but leading the parade and seeing people lining the street watching the parade made me proud to be involved in the committee. "
Sophie's sister, Becky McLeish who also joined the committee, told Ayrshire Live: "The gala was such a success it made me proud to have been a part of it. Dreghorns community spirit was amazing and can’t be matched."
Another committee member Stephanie Russell whose mum Caz was also in the last committee 14 years ago, said: "The gala day and the events week running up to the gala were a huge success.
"Everyone we spoke to had an amazing time. It was so nice to see the full community out and enjoying the time together which has made all the hard work the committee put into organising the week so worthwhile. I am really looking forward to helping organise the gala for next year."
Committee member, Chelsey Abercrombie, added: "Gala day for me was amazing, it was hard work on the morning of but as soon as the parade came and we have seen everyone in the park, it was so worth it.
"We have received a lot of amount of comments from people saying the parade was brilliant and people were amazed how the park looked. The buzz from everyone that the Dreghorn gala was finally back made me proud that I was part of the committee. Hope the gala continues for many years."
The Dreghorn Gala committee is already planning next year's event and is looking forward to meeting new committee members at the annual general meeting on July 12 at Community Centre.
Read next:
- Scots whisky giants are given green light for new distillery operation in Ayrshire
- Eyesore site next to Ayrshire houses to be turned into car wash facility
- Name change and £500,000 makeover for popular bar after takeover
- Timeline on new Ayrshire super school unveiled as pupils set for post-summer holiday entry
- 'Negotiations' ongoing as cinema chain eyes up Ayr Odeon following shock closure
Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
