The Mauchline Holy Fair is making a welcome return after a two-year absence.
Around 15,000 people are expected to descend on the East Ayrshire town when the community event gets underway on Saturday, May 28.
The event was last held in 2019, but since then organisers were forced to shelf the celebrations in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic and restrictions over public gatherings.
With the country now starting to emerge from the pandemic, organisers hope this year’s showpiece can be the biggest and best yet.
A spokesperson said: “This will be one of the first major outdoor community events in Ayrshire.
“And it’s fully anticipated some 15,000 people will be in attendance, enjoying our Main Stage performers, musical programme in the Church, and our New-Comers Stage, which gives up and coming local acts a platform. For many this will be their first gig!”
There will be plenty of food and craft stalls in the market area, kiddies play area, art competition, within the grounds of Mauchline Castle, fun fair to the rear of Poosie Nansie's hostelry and the hospitality of the many Mauchline traders.
Organisers say the festival promises to be one where visitors can expect the warm, open welcome of friendship and the chance to see sample all of Mauchline’s rich heritage.
The spokesperson said: “The Fair is entirely self-funded; relying on donations, gifts, sponsorships from local business and grant applications from various community funds.
“The committee and fundraising team, work tirelessly to raise the thousands of pounds it costs in these modern times to stage this event.
“But we are looking forward to the best Holy Fair ever, welcoming the people of Mauchline, Ayrshire and the many visitors from further afield.”
If anyone is interested in volunteering at the event email: hello@mauchlineholyfair.com or go to www.facebook.com/HolyFairMauchline, www.mauchlineholyfair.com or Instagram at @mauchlinehf
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