It will be an extra special Marymass this year with the 50th anniversary of the Folk Festival.

There is an exhibition celebrating 50 years of both the Folk Festival and the town’s Folk Club on display in the Townhouse, featuring photos, video clips, memorabilia and memories – including some of the sounds from the half century.

The exhibition is free and open from August 4 to September 29.

North Ayrshire Provost Ian Clarkson will conduct the official opening of the 50th Marymass Folk Festival on Thursday August 24, followed by a night of songs from local singers in the Vineburgh Community Centre from 8pm to 11pm.

Tickets cost £15 and it’s BYOB.

The next day there will be a lunchtime session at the Ship Inn, promising good food and good tunes.

This will be free and 12.30pm to 2pm. There will be a concert for seniors at the volunteer rooms from 2pm to 4pm.

The Danny Kyle Teatime Session, in memory of muchmissed Danny, will also be held in the Ship Inn that day from 4.30pm-6pm.

The Marymass Folk Festival Concert featuring Sunjay and guests will be held later that night in the Vineburgh Community Centre from 8pm to 11pm. Tickets £15 and again BYOB.

The Marymass Folk Festival Saturday Bash promises good music and banter, good food and a bird’s eye view of the parade.

This will be held in the Woodlands Centre from 11am to 3pm. Entry for adults costs £1 and children 50p.

The Saturday Night Folk Concert will include Celine Donoghue, Neil Sturgeon, The Four As plus guests.

This will be from 7.30pm to midnight in the Volunteer Rooms, with tickets £15.

There will also be the after concert singaround open to concert goers only from midnight until late.

On the Sunday there will be another singaround in the Vineburgh Community Centre from 2pm-5pm with High Tea at 4pm (£5 per person and places booked by August 25 on 01294551047).

The festivities end with The Marymass Folk Festival Survivors’ Session in the Ship Inn from 7pm. Survivors get in free.