MAUCHLINE'S Holy Fair is now little more than two months away - and it's full steam ahead as the organisers prepare for the biggest day in the town's calendar.

The Holy Fair this year takes place on Saturday, May 25, and event manager Jack Lynch says he's expecting thousands of people to come along during the course of the day.

Three event stages and more than 70 stalls will feature at this year's day-long celebration.

IN PICTURES: Mauchline Holy Fair is declared a huge success by organisers

The current Mauchline Holy Fair group have been in charge of organising the event since taking over from the Mauchline Burns Club in 2014.

Billed as the biggest single outdoor event in East Ayrshire, the fair has always drawn in crowds from right across Scotland.

Cumnock Chronicle: Thousands are expected on the day.Thousands are expected on the day. (Image: John Keachie)

Jack says the stand-out day in Mauchline's diary would not be possible with support from grant funding, fund-raising events - and the tireless efforts of the Holy Fair's army of volunteers who help out over the course of the weekend.

Robert Burns wrote about the Holy Fair of 1786 in his poem of the same name, and while more than 200 years may have passed since then, the event remains as popular as ever.

It even earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records after the 2009 event played host to the world's biggest haggis - a 1,234-pound whopper.

 

Jack said: "It takes a power of work to make the weekend happen.

"The team we have do wonders to draw in the funding and put in the hours to make sure it goes ahead.

"It takes around £36,000 for it to happen ever year, and that money is difficult to find.

"We've had great help in the past from the likes of Cumnock and District Round Table, East Ayrshire Vibrant Communities and much more."

Cumnock Chronicle: Young Ava Bolton and her team at last year's event.Young Ava Bolton and her team at last year's event. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

Jack added: "We always need volunteers to sign up and help us get organised for the day.

"We takeover the car park on the Friday so we can get everything ready, and it sometimes takes until the Sunday to get it all cleared up properly.

"It's going to be another great day. Things are in full flow now and the team have worked so hard to make sure it's as big as ever."

The dedicated Mauchline Holy Fair website has loads of information about the day, as does the Facebook page.

Anyone looking to help out on the day can contact Jack Lynch on 07866 773254 or email Hello@mauchlineholyfair.com.