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Across the UK, summertime means festival season and South Ayrshire always gets in on the act! We’ve compiled a list of our favourite family-friendly, loud and lively, and truly unique festivals coming up in South Ayrshire. Have a look, put the dates in your diary and get set for summer fun!
Experience the vibrant charm of the Festival Of Ballantrae which offers a unique blend of local culture, seaside beauty and authentic Scottish hospitality. Browse top quality local crafts and artisan stalls, indulge in delicious street food and fresh local flavours, enjoy live performances from talented local musicians or unwind with a refreshing drink as you soak up the lively atmosphere.
For a full afternoon of pipe band competitions, Highland Heavy Weight Games, Highland Dancing and hill racing, head to the Carrick Lowland Gathering in Girvan’s Victory Park. With plenty of stalls to browse, funfair rides and great food, it’s an entertaining day out for all ages to enjoy.
Join in the only festival to have the wonderful Ayrshire Epicure tattie at its heart! Girvan Tattie Fest offers loads of fun activities for the kids, with circus skills workshops and shows in the Circus Big Top, outdoor play specialists Undersky, giant kites and Little Peru alpacas. Plus, there are craft stalls, a silent disco and lots more!
The hugely popular Summer fAYRe with Armed Forces and Pipes in the Park offers a full afternoon of activities and attractions for the whole family. There are performances from pipe bands and dance schools, a fun dog show, military village, classic cars and loads of things for the kids to enjoy including a fun fair, alpacas, inflatable assault course and much, more more!
For a fun weekend getaway with foot-stomping fiddle tunes, soulful ballads and infectious grooves, head to Troon for this year’s Fresh Ayr Folk Fest. This hugely popular celebration of music and culture offers three days of Folk, World and Roots music, featuring over 30 top-notch artists from Scotland and beyond. There are also music workshops, lively pub sessions, a festival club and a silent ceilidh – laughter, music and banter guaranteed!
This community music festival brings together local artists, incredible talent and family fun. Taking place in venues across Prestwick Main Street, there’s live music, comedy, kids entertainment, stalls, street food, sunshine energy and late night dancing. Billed as ‘your soundtrack to summer’ it’s definitely one to tune in to!
Join the crew of the Dunure Festival of the Sea to celebrate all things maritime and local seafood at the picturesque Dunure Harbour. There’s a full 10 hours of fun to enjoy at this family-friendly event, with local musicians, fabulous food and refreshments, stalls and much more. And don’t worry if seafood isn’t your thing, there’s freshly baked woodfired pizza and authentic street food on offer too!
Check our website for details on the Auchencruive Hoedown, 6 June; Prestwick Prom, 25 July; Dundonald Highland Games, 1 August and Ayr Flower Show, 14-15 August. Plus, save the date for the International Ayr Show, Festival of Flight, 4-5 September.
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