Mauchline Holy Fair 2024 brings huge crowds to town

Billed as Mauchline's busiest day of the year, thousands of people flocked to the town once again to soak up the atmosphere and all that was happening.

This year, more than 70 and three stages thrilled the crowds, with all kinds of fun and entertainment for all ages throughout the day on May 25.

The day started with a parade starting from Mauchline Fire Station, which featured figures of Robert Burns and Jean Armour.

The current Mauchline Holy Fair group have been in charge of organising the event since taking over from the Mauchline Burns Club in 2014, with each event a year in the making.

More than a year's worth of support from grant funding, fund-raising events, and the tireless efforts of the Holy Fair's army of volunteers, have gone into creating the standout day in Mauchline's calendar.

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.

A day of pipers, guitarists, singers, and all sorts of entertainment brought families to the town from all over Ayrshire and beyond.

Those who attended the day had as much fun as ever, with one person saying: "It's amazing the amount of work the committee group put in to making this day what it is.

"They're a credit to Mauchline and people should be eternally grateful for this, because it really does put Mauchline on the map.

"There's always so much to do and see throughout the day, and there's something for all ages."

A Mauchline Holy Fair group spokesperson said: "Thank you all so much for making our Holy Fair 2024 very special.

"It has been a pleasure to organise and a joy to run. All of us at the Holy Fair team hope you have had a great day and look forward to welcoming you next time."

Who can you see in our picture gallery from Charlie Gilmour?