Mauchline Holy Fair: Thousand attend East Ayrshire event

All around the town, people were soaking in the fun with the stalls, entertainment and food places aplenty.

There was a feeling that people had missed this annual show, due to the pandemic, and the people of Mauchline, and far beyond, were keen to make the most of its return.

The main area behind The Fairburn Hotel was lined with food stalls, entertainment on the main stage, fun for the kids and plenty of other stalls.

It even managed to remain as t-shirt weather for most of the day

Castle Street and the walkway behind Mauchline Parish Church were also packed.

It wasn’t just those directly involved in the fair that benefitted from its return, as it was great to see the nearby shops and pubs also return to capacity.

Mauchline Holy Fair committee member Margaret Paton said: “An incredible turn-out and thank you all for sharing the day to make it successful.

“Our Holy Fair Committee have worked their socks off in the last months putting the day together.

“However a huge thank you to you all our friends, family and local surrounding villages and towns for attending and making our day successful.

“I’m sure you’ll all agree that our entertainment on the three stages really blew us all away.

“Thank you all to everyone however, involved in the day.

“Our committee are having a well earned rest for a few weeks. If you are interested in joining our team and want to support, and help put together our next Holy Fair just PM us.”

Mauchline Holy Fair

Prior to the event, it was believed that between 10,000 and 15,000 people in total would pass through Mauchline and the fair.

Although no total number has been confirmed, it goes without saying that fair brought a much-needed boost to the area, given what’s gone on over the past few years.

The far-reaching powers of the fair were on show as well, with the Chronicle managing to catch up with one woman who had come down from Arbroath for the day.

Ellis Doyle, whose friend used to stay in Mauchline, said that she was desperate to sample the fair for herself.

She said: “One of my friends where I stay now has always told me about the fair.

“Obviously what has gone on over the last few years has made you appreciate these things more now and I really wanted to come along today.

“So my husband and I started our drive at just after 7am this morning to be hear in plenty of time.”

Facebook live videos on the Chronicle’s Facebook page also reached people in Australia, who were looking back across the pond at their previous home.

It won’t be long before the team are back preparing for next year’s Mauchline Holy Fair, and we can’t wait!