800th Anniversary Royal Burgh of Ayr

Ayr set to party this weekend!

THE celebrations of Ayr’s 800 years as a Royal Burgh reach an exciting climax this weekend (May 21/22).

Residents and visitors alike are invited to the Low Green on Sunday to witness a piece of history and step back into medieval Ayrshire with a special re-enactment of the delivery of the Royal Burgh charter.

The charter will be delivered by horseback from Lanark, where it was originally signed in 1205 by King William the Lion of Scotland.

A replica charter will be signed at Lanark Castle on Saturday afternoon by the Lord Lieutenant of Lanark, and then brought on horseback to Ayr.

It will arrive at the Low Green at 12 noon, where it will be presented to the Dean of Ayr Guildry Doug Bridson, before being put on public display in front of the County Buildings, while a civic reception is held inside (1-2.30pm).

At 2.30pm a civic procession will proceed from County Buildings to Wellington Square Gardens, where Dean of Ayr Guildry Doug Bridson will present the charter to Provost of South Ayrshire Council Gordon McKenzie.

After the ceremonial, everyone present will be able to enjoy a traditional fair, a jousting competition and exhilarating battle and sword displays from re-enactment group Combat 800, not to mention a bouncy castle and other amusements for children.

Ayr Pipe Band will be playing, with performances by solo singers.

Refreshments will be available all afternoon.

Ceilidh 800

Ayrshire-based event organisers Cultural Connections have arranged a celebration called Ceilidh 800 the previous evening (21 May) to celebrate Ayr’s 800th anniversary as a Royal Burgh.

This Saturday evening event at Ayr Town Hall involves something for everyone and is suitable for families. Artists booked are Ayr based ceilidh dance band Coila; four piece celtic group Back of the Moon, with award winning fiddler Gillian Frame from Arran; singer Andrew Merry from Ayr, runner-up in the 2004 British Junior Eurovision Song Contest; Ayr Pipe Band; Ayr Music festival winners Robyn and Sean Gray from Coylton; Mauchline-based entertainer Jim McPheator; and the Carrick 800 historical re-enactment group from Girvan.

“It really is Ayr’s big party night,” said Dave Dewar of Cultural Connections. “It’s not every day that the town is 800 years old!”

Both Ayr 800, the organisers of a year-long calendar of events to celebrate Ayr’s 800th birthday and the Burns An’ A’ That festival are supporting the event, and will be represented on the evening.

Also in attendance will be representatives from Visit Scotland, South Ayrshire Council, journalists from home and abroad and some celebrities who have links with Ayr.

“It's shaping up to be a great night,” said Dave. “Everyone is welcome including families.”

Tickets, costing £10, £8 concession and £5 under 16, from 01292 313205 and further information from the same number.

The event kicks off at 7.30pm.

Enquiries:
Dave Dewar
Cultural Connections
15 Portland Terrace,
Troon KA10 6AJ
Tel / Fax 01292 313205

http://www.cultural-connections.co.uk/calendar2.php

About Ayr 800

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.

Brian Martin of Ayr Guildry said: “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 provides 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 offers the chance to attract visitors who might otherwise not have come to our town in 2005.

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

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

“All businesses, clubs, societies and individuals who would still 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.”

Enquiries:
Brian Martin, Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 442103.
John Hay, Clerk to Ayr Guildry. Telephone: +44 (0)1292 264091.

Website:
http://www.ayr800.co.uk

Issued on behalf of Ayr Guildry by Fame Publicity Services.

Media enquiries:
Murdoch MacDonald
Fame Publicity Services
10 Miller Road
AYR, Ayrshire
Scotland KA7 2AY

Telephone: +44 (0)1292 281498
Mobile: 07833 667322.
E-mail: famepublicity@aol.com
Website: http://www.famepublicity.co.uk

Web links:

http://www.clickpress.com/releases/Detailed/1474005cp.shtml
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/Detailed/28308.html
http://www.pr-scotland.com/releases/050516-02.htm
http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=1731
http://i-newswire.com/pr20440.html
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/5/prweb240936.htm
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/view_press_release.php?rID=5662

Ayr set to party this weekend!

Ceilidh 800

About Ayr 800

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