Irvine Marymass Festival

Where: Irvine, Ayrshire - parade starts at Golffields Road coronation at the Town's House on the High Street
When: Mid August (main day is 2nd weekend of the festival - 3rd Saturday after 1st Monday of August)
Time: 9.30am onwards, coronation at noon

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Marymass Queen

The Marymass Fair at Irvine began during the twelfth century and the name came from the Christian feast of the Assumption (when Mary ascended into heaven) – since the beginning there has always been a parade featuring a Marymass Queen.Β  Over the festival period there are many concerts, exhibitions, talks, competitions, entertainments including fireworks and a funfair. The fair lasts twelve days in August and the main day is the second Saturday, known as Marymass Day or Traditions Day.Β  In 1563 Mary Queen of Scots visited Irvine and ever since the parade has featured this Queen with her “Four Maries” and pages (the Four Maries were the Queen’s companions who all shared her christian name). The coronation takes place at midday at the Town’s House following the morning parade. Expect to see beautifully groomed and decorated Clydesdale horses, some mounted and others pulling carts and carriages, accompanied by riders and passengers in elaborate fancy dress.The afternoon’s activities include horse racing on Irvine Moor, which has been a feature of the festival since it began. It’s a well established and well-run event organised by the Irvine Carters Society.

Helpful Hints

In 2023 it should be from 16th to 30th August with Traditions Day on Saturday 26th (Flower Show yet to be announced-see Comments section below for details and contacts for the Flower Show).

In 2024 it should be from 14th to 28th August with Traditions Day on Saturday 24th (to be confirmed).

Click here for the website: http://www.marymass.org

Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/marymassfestival

View this location on the map.