South Ayrshire Council’s hugely popular Holy Fair with Armed Forces and Pipes in the Park could be renamed for 2025 – to make it more “inclusive” of “non-secular members of the public.”
The proposal is expected to be put in front of members during a special meeting of South Ayrshire Council on Thursday, February 6.
And they will be asked to approve the new event name of ‘Summer fAYRe with Armed Forces Day and Pipes in the Park’.
It means the word ‘Holy’ would be dropped from the event title altogether.
Held in June every year, the free event, organised by South Ayrshire Council, is a firm family favourite with something for everyone to enjoy at Ayr’s Low Green.
It has been running for more than 30 years and boasts an array of fairground rides; a pipe band contest; a highland dance contest and dance arena; flag raising ceremony; market and charity stalls; military attractions. In recent years there’s even been a children’s fun dog show.
Last year’s event was called ‘Summer Family Fest with Armed Forces and Pipes in the Park.’ Now it looks like the event name could be changed again.
In the wake of last year’s event the Council allowed a substantive motion, namely ‘To agree that the leaders of the parties, a representative agreed by the independents and the relevant Portfolio Holder meet to agree the name of the 2025 event.’
The motion also went on to request council take ‘cognisance of the historic traditions of the name of the Holy Fair and the Armed Forces whilst “recognising” the event should be “inclusive of non-secular members of the public” and “report back” to council with this proposal.’
In November, a group of councillors, including Councillors Alec Clark, Brian Connolly, Martin Dowey and Julie Dettbarn, met with Jane Bradley, the Director of Communities and Transformation, and Heather Murphy, Acting Service Lead– Destination South Ayrshire, to discuss the name of the summer event.
According to council papers all members at the meeting “unanimously agreed” to change the name to Summer fAYRe, with the full title of the event to be known as ‘Summer fAYRe with Armed Forces Day and Pipes in the Park’- for additional funding purposes.
The Ministry of Defence offers a grant for Armed Forces Day events up to the value of £10,000, depending on the size and format of the event.
If the recommendations above are approved by Members on Thursday, the Director of Communities and Transformation, Jane Bradley, will ensure that “all necessary steps” “are taken” to ensure “full implementation” of the decision.