South Ayrshire Council is urging residents to dig out their Christmas jumpers… because the countdown is on to their festive family fun day.
The local authority’s “Festive Family Fun” event is sure to get you into the festive spirit with a range of free activities!
Head down to Ayr Town Centre from 1.30pm-5.30pm on Sunday, November 17, to experience some fantastic stage entertainment, Christmas markets, festive photo opportunities, and interactive attractions.
Returning to the Main Stage, by popular demand, will be Ayr’s very own The MacDonald Brothers.
The headliners will take to the stage at 4.15pm. Prepare to be dazzled as The MacDonald Brothers, along with South Ayrshire Provost Iain Campbell, will switch on the Christmas lights at the Cutty Sark Centre at 5pm. But don’t rush away – the festivities continue on until 5.30pm.
Make sure to check out the other brilliant performances throughout the day from local talented youngsters on the Main Stage. You can also show your support to the South Ayrshire dancers performing on the Dancers’ Stage– located near Marks & Spencer on Ayr High Street.
If you’re looking to get some of your Christmas shopping done, two fabulous Christmas markets will be held in The Grain Exchange and on the High Street, all showcasing goods from local traders. Remember you can support local businesses by picking up some gifts at a range of shops in Ayr Town Centre too.
What better way to create lasting memories than to visit Santa’s Grotto? Santa will be welcoming children throughout the day with the help of Girlguiding Ayrshire South.
Children can also write a message to Santa and hang it on the Giant Wooden Christmas Tree– and why not take the chance to snap a photo by the tree? Other photo opportunities include Giant Christmas Chairs and the Snow White Scene, where you can capture festive pictures to remember the day. Don’t forget to hop aboard the Santa Express Train, located near The Wallace Tower.
Look out for our balloon modelling experts who will showcase their impressive skills, and make sure not to miss the face painting station where artists will provide a range of small festive designs for children.
Fancy a festive challenge? Make your way around the ‘Christmas Trail’ to find all the hidden letters. If you can unscramble the letters to reveal a word and return your completed Christmas Trail cards to staff at the Cutty Sark Centre, you can claim a special little Christmas themed prize!
The Kids Zone also has plenty of seasonal arts and crafts to keep children entertained.
Plus, there will also be a funfair with a range of rides to suit all ages.
Charges will apply at the funfair, but all other attractions are free.
Each year, South Ayrshire Council give people the opportunity to help them raise funds for charity, or local causes. This year, they are collecting funds for the Council’s Employee Charity Partner, The Night Before Christmas Campaign, and Girlguiding Ayrshire South. All donations are greatly appreciated and will be split equally between both.
So, with all this to look forward to, save the date now!
South Ayrshire Council’s Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, Councillor Alec Clark said: “I’m excited for the festive season to kick off in South Ayrshire with our ‘Festive Family Fun’ event. It’ll be a wonderful day out for families, with a range of interactive, seasonal activities to keep the kids entertained, and a chance to browse for some gifts amongst the wonderful traders and shops the area has to offer.”
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