Irvine’s historic waterfront will twinkle with lights on St Andrew’s Day this Thursday as the Scottish Maritime Museum’s award-winning four day Winter spectacular, illumination: Harbour Festival of Light, returns with a bigger and brighter programme of sparkling events and activities.

David Mann, Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, says:

“We’re sure everyone is going to be thrilled with this year’s twinkling illumination : Harbour Festival of Light. There’s so much to see and do and most events are free.

“The brand new Steampunk themed illumination Light, Fire & Aerial Art Spectacular in particular promises to be this year’s hit and a truly un-missable part of the four day festival.

“We’ve had a sneak preview watching Spinal Chord aerial acrobats practice over the last few days and their performance climbing chains hanging from the Linthouse girders, running up a wall and balancing on a slack rope is simply amazing! Everyone should buy their tickets now and be sure of catching this awesome show!

“Another highlight of illumination : Harbour Festival of Light is, of course, our celebrations around St Andrew’s Day. Visitors can mark our national day in style at illumination. As well as the Light, Fire and Aerial Art Spectacular, they can follow the twinkling Light Trail along the Habourside, discover some great goodies in the Food and Craft Fair, join the team from Murray McDavid for whisky tastings aboard their beautiful cutter boat and, of course, enjoy the St Andrew’s Day fireworks at 6.45pm.”

PROGRAMME:

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 30

12noon – 4pm, on the hour: Murray McDavid whisky tastings onboard the Murray McDavid. Ticketed.

4pm – 10pm : Light Trail , FREE.

5pm – 10pm: Food & Craft Market , FREE

5.45pm Murray McDavid Whisky Tastings.

Festival Opening Evening: Ticketed

6pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm: Light, Fire & Aerial Art Spectacular, (Scottish Maritime Museum, Linthouse).Ticketed.

6.45pm St. Andrew’s Day Fireworks Display, FREE.

7.00pm/7.15pm Fringe: Largs Gaelic Choir (beside Kelpies), FREE.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1

12noon – 9pm, on the hour Murray McDavid Whisky Tastings, Onboard the Murray McDavid. Ticketed.

4pm – 10pm , Light Trail , FREE.

5pm – 10pm , Food & Craft Market, FREE.

5.30pm & 7.30pm, The Clan, Scotland's Cycle Stunt Team (opposite Harbour Arts Centre), FREE.

5.30pm – 8.15pm: illumiBike, Best dressed cyclist and bike competition, cycling give-aways, Dr Bike checks etc. Prizegiving 8.15pm. FREE.

6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm : Light, Fire & Aerial Art Spectacular, (Scottish Maritime Museum, Linthouse). Ticketed.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

11am – 5pm, Skiff Pursuit Racing with Scottish Coastal Rowing. FREE.

12noon – 10pm: Food & Craft Market, FREE.

12noon – 9pm, on the hour : Murray McDavid whisky tastings onboard the Murray McDavid. Ticketed.

4pm – 10pm: Light Trail , FREE.

4.30pm, 5.30pm, 7pm, 8pm, 9pm: Light, Fire and Aerial Art Spectacular, (Scottish Maritime Museum, Linthouse). Ticketed.

6pm: Lantern Parade, FREE.

7pm: Skiff Row Past with Scottish Coastal Rowing, FREE.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

12noon – 10pm: Food and Craft Market, FREE.

12noon – 5pm, on the hour : Murray McDavid whisky tastings onboard the Murray McDavid. Ticketed.

4pm – 10pm: Light Trail , FREE.

4.30pm, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 9pm: Light, Fire and Aerial Art Spectacular: (Scottish Maritime Museum, Linthouse). Ticketed.

7.15pm: Murray McDavid Whisky Tastings

Festival Closing Evening: Ticketed

7.00pm Fringe: Dreghorn Musical Society and Irvine and Dreghorn Brass Band Christmas Carols and Fullarton Church ‘The Little Light of Mine’ (opposite Harbour Lights), FREE.

8.15pm: Closing Fireworks Display. FREE.