Irvine's Carters have chosen a new captain as Marymass 2022 officially kicked off at last night's opening ceremony.

Gordon Storrar was announced after the choosing of the captain of Irvine Carter's Society last night [Thursday, August 11] taking over from long-serving leader Danny Kerr.

Irvine Times: Captain of Irvine Carter's Society Gordon StorrarCaptain of Irvine Carter's Society Gordon Storrar

The festivities officially kicked off with the Irvine Beat FM Roadshow with free kids face painting and balloon modelling from 8pm outside the Townhouse and Portal –before the announcement of the new captain then the sashing of the Queen and Marys.

There was also more entertainment from Ayrshire's Rock Choir.

Provost Anthea Dickson said: "Marymass Festival 2022 is well and truly open. Have a great Festival everyone

"Best wishes to Kendyl the Marymass Queen Elect and her Marys Lucie, Lilly, Chloe and Skye."

Irvine Times:

Marymass organisers previously revealed jousters will be joining the parade and events at the moor next week - as well as a new family zone next to the greasy pole.

The fun carries on this Saturday with Fourth Port Parade then Trades Gala Day and Duck Race at Low Green – before the Festival of Light Parade in the evening then Fireworks at the moor.

A Marymass spokesperson said: “The jousting arena will be located at the entrance to the moor, between the paddock and funfair area.

“This is a must see event, the crowd have a chance to get up close to the action, with interactive elements and plenty to cheer about!

“We are so excited to welcome this major new event to Irvine Moor for 2022 and we are just as excited to see all of the knights take part in the Marymass Parade (you’ll find them just behind the Royal Party).

The Family Zone will be packed full of free activities for kids of all ages, including face painting, balloon modelling, kids crafts, Mobile Youth Centre, water fight zone (weather permitting), climbing wall, silent disco with glitter tattoos and mocktails and more.
“There will also be a beat the goalie stall, ice cream van and food vendors in this area too.

Timetable of the confirmed main events
Saturday, August 13 - Marymass Craft Market at M&Co 9-5

Fourth Port Parade from 11am Second Ave, 11:45pm at Harbour, finishes 1pm

Trades Gala Day and Duck Race at Low Green 1-4pm

Festival of Light Parade at Irvine Cross 9pm, terminates Moor 9.30pm

Marymass Fireworks Display at Irvine Moor 9:45pm

Wednesday, August 1 - Dog Show at Volunteer Rooms 7pm

Friday, August 19 - Football Derby at Meadow Park 7:30pm kick off

Saturday, August 20 - 9am Judging of horses at Golffields Road
10am - Parade begins
11am - Pre crowning entertainment
12pm - Crowning of 2022 Marymass Queen
12:30pm - Parade from Irvine Cross to Irvine Moor, arriving 1pm
1-5pm - Activities on Irvine Moor including jousting (2pm and 4pm), greasy pole, horse racing, paddock, beer tent, market, funfair, live entertainment and more

More news and pictures in next week’s free 16 page Marymass supplement, which will be in every copy of the Irvine Times.

Further updates can be found on our website and Facebook site. You can also pick up the 2022 official Marymass programme which is now available at outlets across Irvine.