Irvine will come alive with the sound of music this summer thanks to the launch of a brand-new festival.
The Making Waves Festival will take place at the town's harbourside and beach park on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, with top-quality live music and outdoor activities both on and off the water.
Up to 3,000 people will be able to enjoy performances across the weekend from popular bands on an open-air stage.
The main music event will take place on Saturday afternoon at the beach park. Sunday afternoon will see family-friendly musical performances where tribute acts will dominate the stage.
The event is being arranged by North Ayrshire Council in partnership with local groups and organisations.
Volunteer group Freckfest, which has brought over 120 shows to the area over the last nine years, has been tasked with arranging the line-up which will be announced soon.
Away from the music, a major highlight of the weekend will be a spectacular aerobatic display by the Red Arrows on the Saturday afternoon.
There will also be free entry to the Scottish Maritime Museum, with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities, a family fun fair and a ‘makers market’.
The Harbour Arts Centre will offer a range of arts and crafts and drama activities while the Courtyard Studios will hold an open studios weekend – a chance to visit the facility and see the work produced by local artists.
Stalls and exhibits will be dotted along the harbourside offering additional activities, opportunities to join in wildlife-spotting and the chance to find out more about the many clubs and organisations in North Ayrshire.
There will also be taster sessions of water-based activities like paddle boarding.
Announcements on the music line-up, event schedule and ticket sales will be made soon.
Keep an eye on www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/MakingWaves for more information.
The event – which has received funding from Event Scotland and the Scottish Government – was originally planned for July 2020 as part of Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters but was cancelled due to Covid.
Karen Yeomans, the council's director of growth and investment, said: “We are delighted to finally bring Making Waves Festival to Irvine harbourside and beach park. It offers both residents and visitors the opportunity to experience a fantastic range of activities after a hugely challenging couple of years.
“Many residents will have fond memories of live music at Irvine harbourside from years past. The festival aims to attract music-lovers once again to Irvine and showcase the beauty and potential of the beach park which will hopefully attract commercial event promoters to consider using the facilities in the future.
“If a weekend of entertainment in a stunning location is something you are interested in, we would encourage you to start planning now with your friends and family."
Residents and visitors will be encouraged to enjoy the promenade along the Maritime Mile, with its range of bars, restaurants and cafes.
People can also explore the many paths and routes around the area with a focus on being outdoors, healthy and appreciating the beautiful setting against the backdrop of Arran.
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