Ayr set to celebrate 800 years as a Royal Burgh

IN 2005 the historic town of Ayr in Scotland marks the 800th anniversary of King William the Lion of Scotland signing a Charter in 1205 proclaiming Ayr to be a Royal Burgh.

Ayr Guildry, an association of local business people which itself dates back to 1325, is currently organising Ayr 800, a 12 month long calendar of events to celebrate the anniversary throughout the year.

Dean of Ayr Guildry Brian Martin said today: “It seems fitting and appropriate to celebrate 800 years of Ayr’s history in as many different ways as possible.

“Since the inception of this project, I have been amazed to discover the number and diversity of clubs, associations and groups that flourish in our town. Ayr 800 will provide them all with a magnificent opportunity to play a prominent part in our year of celebrations.

“For people and businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry, Ayr 800 will provide the chance to attract visitors who might otherwise not have come to our town in 2005.

“And Ayr 800 will offer an additional platform for local businesses to promote their products, skills and services to the world.”

Some of the events that are already being planned:

MAY
Saturday 14 May 2005. Orchestral and Choral Concert at Ayr Citadel Leisure Centre. Ayrshire Symphony Orchestra, Ayr Choral Union and Ayrshire Voices.

Sunday 15 May 2005. Concert ‘Fiddles, Strings and all that Jazz!’ at Ayr Citadel Leisure Centre. Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra, Ayrshire Schools String Orchestra, South Ayrshire Jazz Band and the Aileen Robertson Highland Dancers.

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May 2005. Charter Signing. The Ayr Burgh Charter was signed in Lanark, and it is planned to have a ceremony in Lanark in the presence of the Lords Lieutenants of Lanark and Ayrshire and the Provosts. The dates provisionally set up for the Lanark Signing and the bringing of the Charter back to Ayr with the appropriate ceremonial are 21 and 22 May 2005.

AUGUST
Friday 5 – Sunday 7 2005. Ayr Flower 2005. The 45th spectacular Ayr Flower Show will be held in Rozelle Estate. The Ayrshire Horticultural Society has promised to make it very special, and planning has already started.

Blooming Ayr 800 (and blooming Prestwick too!). One of the biggest gardening and Floral Competitions to be held in Ayr and Prestwick will be judged in July and August 2005. The two burghs will be divided into 17 areas and there will be prizes for the best owner-occupied house or flat, and best tenanted house or flat in each area. There will also be competitions for churches, hotels, guesthouses, pubs, nursing and residential homes, embracing hanging baskets, containers, and garden areas.

Sunday 28 August 2005. Horse Ploughing Competition at Greenan Farm
(by kind permission of Mr and Mrs J.McIlwraith). Horse Ploughing, Vintage Tractors, Demonstrations of Threshing, Seed-Sowing, Blacksmith and Farrier, Craft Stalls, Farmers Market, and for the children Pony Rides, Animal Exhibits and a Bouncy Castle.

SEPTEMBER
Robert Burns World Federation Conference and AGM.

OCTOBER
Friday 21 and Saturday 22 October 2005. Flower Festival organised by Ayr and District Floral Art Club, Alloway Church.

Brian Martin concluded: “Regular updates to the calendar of events will be posted on the Ayr 800 website at www.ayr800.co.uk

“All businesses, clubs, societies and individuals who would like to take part in this great celebration of our town’s history will be most welcome, and should get in touch with us as soon as possible.”

-ends-

Issued on behalf of Ayr Guildry by Fame Publicity Services.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/11/prweb180756.htm
http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/11/emw180756.htm
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/Detailed/20806.html
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/Detailed/20950.html

Top of Page