It’s the summer holidays and if you’re not planning to jet off then don’t panic as there is plenty to do to keep youngsters entertained around Ayrshire.
So grab your family organisers and get ready for a packed summer of gala days, clubs and festivals to mark in your diaries.
Here are some of the highlights of the festival calendar to help you plan your days away.
Kelburn Garden Party
July 5-7, Kelburn Castle
Kelburn Castle provides the fairytale setting for this eccentric music festival which boasts an impressive six stages and various pop-up nooks host the musical programme, an eclectic mix of Scottish talent from the avant garde and experimental to the highly accessible.
The 2019 line up includes Leftfield (DJ Set), Gentleman’s Dub Club, LTJ Bukem, Shooglenifty, Swindle, Bradley Zero, JD Twitch presents Optimo Music 10, Colonel Mustard and The Dijon 5, Aba Shanti-I, Nitewave, Kobe Onyami, Chloé, Bossy Love, Chaos In The CBD, Anu (NTS), Tom McGuire and The Brassholes, Chopstick Dubplate & Natty Campbell, Acid Arab, Callum Easter, Tantz and Athens Of The North.
Festival of the Sea
July 20, Dunure
This boutique festival is set on and around the beautiful historic harbour at Dunure, an ‘Outlander’ film location. Taste the best in freshly caught seafood while enjoying harbourside live music and sea shanties. Take part in seafaring activities with the historic Dunure Castle as a backdrop and end the day at the bonfire on the beach.
Family Camp Out at Eglinton Park,
July 27-28, Kilwinning
Join the North Ayrshire Ranger Service on their overnight family camp. Experience the joys of sleeping under canvas and take part in some fun activities. This event is aimed at families who have always wanted to try camping but never had the opportunity. Tents are provided. Wear warm outdoor clothing and comfy, sturdy footwear.
Sound on the Sand
August 3, Saltcoats
Saltcoats beach front is ready to rock with bands set to have everyone dancing on the sand. Bands confirmed are Hue and Cry, Hipsway, CAEZAR, The Dunwells, Chris Greig and The Merchants and The Best Bad Influence. The event is part of the Ardrossan Music Experience calendar of gigs.
Culzean Dog Jamboree
August 10-11, Culzean Castle and Country Park
This is a must for dog lovers and takes place at the swan pond. You can treat your furry friends to dog water sports, a fun dog show, dog agility course and the Doggy Dash. Visit the dog market marquee packed full of doggy stalls and enjoy demonstrations throughout the day.
Ayr and District Flower Show
August 16-17, Ayr Racecourse
The flower show has made a welcome return with attractions for all ages. As well as fantastic exhibits of vegetables, plants, fruit and flowers there will be entertainment, food and drink and market stalls.
Marymass Festival
August 17-24, Irvine
Scotland’s biggest free community festival will run for seven days in August, climaxing with the crowning and parade on Saturday, August 24. Look out for horse racing, a greasy pole challenge, horse-drawn floats and more during this must-see festival.
Ninja Warrior
August 17, Kilmarnock
Calling all Ninja Warriors! The Ayrshire Hospice will host Scotland’s first-ever Ninja Warrior 5k assault course at Ayrshire Athletics Centre in Kilmarnock on Saturday, August 17.
Based on the popular television programme, Ninja Warrior, you’ll get your chance to take on 10 challenging obstacles on this popular assault course testing your strength, timing and determination just like the contestants on the ITV show.
Harness your speed, strength and agility on the likes of the quintuple steps, trapeze swing, the hot stepper and giant mushrooms before testing out your stamina with the infamous Travellator at the end of the 5k course.
Butefest
July 26-28, Rothesay
This is a family-friendly three day festival which has something for everyone to enjoy, from live music to a host of activities and games for your festival goers to take part in.
This year Big Country will be headlining the musical stage, guaranteed to get everyone dancing in the summer sun.
Go! Festival
September 7, Ayr
This will be Ayr’s first-ever Scottish Athletics-registered, professionally measured and chip-timed half-marathon race on closed roads. There will also be a 10k and an opportunity for families to cycle either distance. The courses are on flat roads and are expected to attract some top athletes from across the UK who will be looking to set records. The Go! Festival site opens at 1pm at the Low Green and Ayr beach promenade, where the races will start and finish. The late afternoon and early evening start time of the running and cycling events presents a great opportunity for overnight stays or simply travelling to and from the race venue without hassle.
Millport Country Music Festival
August 30-September 1, Isle of Cumbrae
A rootin' tootin' weekend of country and western gigs across several venues on Great Cumbrae. and it's a special year as 2019 event marks the festival’s 25th anniversary year.
October holidays
If you want to be really organised then you can make plans for the October school holidays as it’s Tamfest in Ayr from October 26-27. Tamfest is Ayrshire’s premiere family Hallowe’en festival. Now in its fifth year, the festival is rooted in heritage and inspired by the poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’ by Robert Burns.
For more events and ideas for summer activities visit whatsonayrshire
Share your festival pictures and festival survival tips with us, send them to news@ayrshirelive.co.uk
