Marymass

Scotland's biggest community festival.

Cervical Cancer Awareness taking part in the Marymass parade and handing out sweets to the local children.

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Celebrated in Irvine for centuries, the Marymass Festival is recognised locally and nationally as a major event that annually attracts thousands of visitors during a 12-day period in mid-August. Based on a medieval religious festival and local horse fair, Marymass incorporates Irvine Carters Society “Riding the Marches” – namely, the “Four Ports” of the ancient and Royal Burgh of Irvine. Over the years the Marymass festival has developed into a major multi-event community festival incorporating five Core Annual Events. These are:

• The “Choosing” of the Captain of the Carters’ Society and "Sashing" the Queen-Elect and her four Marys;

• The Carters’ “Fourth Port” parade to Irvine Harbour and related events;

• Marymass Parade and Crowning the Marymass Queen;

• Horse Races (including Clydesdales) on the Town Moor; and

• The Marymass Folk Festival (one of Britain’s longest-running). 49th Folk Festival Programme

Also, there are around 150 community-based events. So there's always something going on! For more information check out the What's On page. Perhaps you are in photos in our Gallery of previous events.

A great day for raising awareness of cervical cancer and cervical abnormalities!