Irvine Beach Park could host a new festival next summer.
The ‘Making Waves Festival’ is one of a raft of events being pushed by North Ayrshire Council in 2020.
It is hoped the events, which will tie in with the Scottish Government’s Year of Coasts and Waters, will bring 80,000 visitors to the area.
Councillors agreed to plough £50,000 into the tourism plans at the most recent cabinet meeting.
Few details have been released about the Irvine festival yet, but a council paper said there would be free events and a focus on science and technology.
Officials hope to make it an annual occurrence.
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A business case for the event will go before councillors at a later date.
Karen Yeomans, director of economy and communities, said: “Marine and coastal tourism is important to North Ayrshire’s economy, it’s the council’s priority to promote and develop our key natural assets to attract visitors and generate new business. The Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 is an excellent opportunity to encourage more visitors to explore all that North Ayrshire has to offer.
“By hosting a spectacular event at Irvine’s Beach park and hosting a series of small events, we hope to attract an additional 80,000 visitors to North Ayrshire next year, with projected economic impact of over £4.5m, supporting 168 local jobs.”
Cunninghame House bosses also want to support a four-day winter festival at the Scottish Maritime Museum.
They want to attract cash from the Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 fund to make it all happen.
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A council paper said: “A £50,000 revenue funding commitment from the tourism budget is required to pursue grant funding and develop the full potential of the events programme.
Events take place throughout North Ayrshire during 2020.”
The paper added: “North Ayrshire Council is taking a proactive approach to events to support our coastal marine ambitions.”
If successful the tourism drive could boost the economy by £4.5 million.
A total of 1.7 million visits were recorded in North Ayrshire and Arran in 2017 generating £180 million.
There is also a bid to bolster the Fife Regatta at Largs Yacht Haven.
