Marymass Festival draws the crowds

Aug 29 2008 Irvine Herald

RADIANT Marymass Queen Kerri-Ann Murdoch was crowned in glorious sunshine in what turned out to be one of the busiest climaxes to the 12 day festival in years.

Crowds gathered in front of the Townhouse in Irvine to witness the traditional crowing ceremony after the horse drawn procession had made it way round the town through streets lined with cheering crowds.

This year’s ceremony was performed by Mrs Mary Kerr, wife of Carters’ Captain Danny Kerr – who was cheered as she placed the crown on the Queen’s head.

Dozens of police officers mingled with the crowds in a repeat of last year’s massive clampdown on yobs and drunks.

Earlier the Queen-elect waved to her subjects from her white horse drawn coach. She was followed by another coach carrying her four Marys – Carly Diamond, Beth Ingram, Megan Joyce and Rachael McCallum.

Led by the Irvine Pipe Band, the parade featuring dressed horses and riders as well as fancy dress and decorated floats made its way along the traditional route arriving at the Townhouse for the noon crowning.

Following the reading of the Marymass Proclamation by Ian Mackay, the chief legal officer of North Ayrshire Council, the Provost and guests were welcomed by Captain Kerr and invited to join him and his society on Irvine Moor for “an afternoon of racing.”

The parade was joined by a band of Canadian massed pipes and drums for their spectacular mile long march to the Moor.

This year the crowd lined route was busier than usual – possibly due to the discreet police presence.

Later a delighted Captain Kerr said: “It was a great day. The weather held for most of the time and we had a beautiful Queen and Marys.”