(Original Article By Stewart McConnell, Irvine Times Nov 2023)
Generous community councillors have dug deep into their coffers to help provide free Christmas entertainment for kids.
They are teaming up with a host of other organisations for the Irvine Yuletide celebrations, which will be one of the town’s most ambitious festive events in many years, stretching over three days.
At their monthly meeting on Wednesday, they decided to make a donation from their funds to help pay for funfair rides for kids – instead of taking up the suggestion of a fireworks display – on the opening night of the festival.
The event is being run by Irvine Community Council along with Irvine Royal Academy, DBA Dance Academy, Irvine Legacy Hub, Kelly McCrorie Dance School, Templeton School of Dance, Fullarton Hub and Greenwood Academy.
Irvine CC secretary Toni Doyle said: “The aim of the event is to bring together as much of the community as possible but also tackle the poverty in the town.
“There will be lots of free goodies as well as affordable events for all the family. We are a new community council, which most people are unaware of, and we have a real passion for making as much positive change as we can in the community.
“What better way to achieve this than by taking on the massive challenge of Irvine’s festive celebrations?
“We hope that the community will come out in droves to support us so that we can continue it for years to come.”
The festive fun begins on Friday, November 24 with carol singing at 5.30pm at the bottom of Trinity Church.
A light parade will leave Bridgegate at 6pm, leading on to Irvine Moor for 6.30pm, where there will be a free funfair for the public, Santa’s grotto and food and stalls.
Saturday, November 25 will see an afternoon tea for the Over-50s in Vineburgh Community Centre, with tickets costing £5, and children’s discos will be at the same venue, at a time to be confirmed, with the cost £1.
Then on Sunday, November 26, there will be a matinee performance of a pantomime around 2pm (family friendly) with tickets priced £5 and an evening performance, along with a pie and pint, at 7pm (adults only) costing £10 where a bar will be available.
A raffle is also being run throughout the weekend and big prizes will be up for grabs including holiday vouchers and stadium tours.
Tickets for events will be available from most community centres in the area