MARYMASS 2015 might just go down as the best ever.

Thousands of people took to the streets, the town centre and Irvine Moor to celebrate this year’s event - which is now in its 48th year.

This year’s parade was awash with colour, kids, music and the usual mayhem as it set off from Golffields Road following the traditional Judging of the Horses.

Hundreds of people lined the streets to wave to the numerous floats, dance groups, horses and youngsters taking part, before it arrived at the Townhouse ahead of the crowning of Marymass Queen Amy Kerr.

The pretty 15-year-old was joined by her stunning Marys, Chloe Robertson, Shannon Fitzsimmons, Rachel Moreland and Charli Murphy who were all breathtaking in their traditional dresses and veils as they smiled and waved to the crowds who had turned out to see them.

The day’s events came to a head during the crowning of Queen Amy by Mary Kerr – wife of Carters Captain, Danny.

The teenager gave a speech which was well received by the crowds who welcomed her with rapturous applause before the parade departed for an afternoon of fun at Irvine Moor.

The Moor was filled with people enjoying the fairground and the paddock was packed out as usual.

The age-old tradition of the Greasy Pole went ahead a little earlier than usual and was won in record time by the Affleck Dream Team who managed to reach the top and grab the prized ham in just two minutes and 40 seconds.

The team were James Affleck, Jim Stewart, Darren Grey and Cameron Affleck who were delighted to be the fastest Greasy Pole team in more than 40 years.

James said: “There were two teams taking part but we won the toss of the coin which meant we went first and got it first time which left the other team not happy because they didn’t even get to have a shot. They left the pole clean as a whistle. After watching it back on video the time was a record two minutes 40 seconds. There were people there who have done the pole and watched it for more than 40 years who say they have never seen it done that quick.” Other entertainment on the Moor included the traditional Marymass Horse Racing, Battlescar Encampment, a Horse Driving competition and stalls - all of which went on to the background music of the Massed Pipes and Drums of Canada and Samba Ya Bamba, who were on hand to entertain the masses.

The day’s celebrations came to a close at 5pm when Queen Amy and her Marys once again took to their Royal carriages for the Return Parade which departed the Moor at 5pm, leaving hundreds of revellers to enjoy the remainder of the sunshine and shows!