Marymass kicks off this week with the opening ceremony held this Thursday.

Marymass Festival Opening Ceremony will be held at the Townhouse with on stage entertainment beginning at 8pm.

Captain of Irvine Carters for 2017 will be announced at 9.40pm with Marymass Queen elect and four Marys sashed by the Provost around 9.45pm.

Marymass Karaoke will be held in the Sports Bar from 8.30pm to late.

In a first for the festival, local radio station Irvine Beat FM will host five roadshows throughout the celebrations, including the opening ceremony and the crowing of Marymass Queen elect Miss Payton McGrath on Saturday, August 26 at noon.

Workshops in costume making and lantern making have been held in community hubs throughout Irvine over the past month.

This is to compliment Festival of Light this Saturday at 9pm from Irvine Townhouse to Irvine Moor and is part funded by Co-op recycle bag fund.

Queen-elect Payton McGrath says she is ‘so grateful’ to be chosen as this year’s Queen, adding: “I am honoured and excited to be part of Marymass this year.”

Provost of North Ayrshire Ian Clarkson said: “We have an excellent programme of events and activities throughout the community – providing something for everyone.

“Each year the Marymass Festival gives us the opportunity to share Irvine’s rich cultural history and strong identity with the many visitors who come from far and wide.

“We should all embrace this and take pride in the area which is so dear to us.

“The festival continues to grow and develop and involves a great number of local groups, organisations with a huge band of volunteers. These volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and I pay tribute to them all.

Danny Kerr Captain of the Carters said: “This year the crowning platform will be moved back to its original location across from the Townhouse and where the royal party will make their way from the front of the Townhouse onto the stage across the street.”

“We will always endeavour to keep the traditions of Marymass alive and promote a parade which will make every Irvinite proud.

“We have made a few changes to some formats of events to which we hope will bring a freshness and hope you enjoy.

“I’m sure this festival will be just as successful as in past years and may I thank you all for your continuing support.”

Andy Tremble of the Carters said: “Marymass has been celebrated in my family for over 100 years, my father and grandfather being in the Carters Committee and great grandfather Captain James Kyle being Captain 1893 – 1900. I’m looking forward to Fourth Port Parade and Festival of Light this Saturday.”