Ardrossan Castle Carnival

[George Ardrossan]

The Ardrossan Castle Carnival on 18 June was a huge success. The good weather encouraged a large turnout to the celebration to mark the four hundred and seventieth anniversary of the meeting of the Privy Council at Ardrossan Castle on 18 June 1546.

Visitors enjoyed ancient writing, archaeology dig for artefacts, archery, birds of prey, face painting, Gaelic café, Guardian of Ardrossan Castle training, How to Train your Dragon, Ladies of the Renaissance, Men and Muskets, Mistress Quill Storytime, pipe band, running the gauntlet, spoon carving and stocks and sponges as well as other attractions.

The highlight was the horse joust when Jousting Scotland re-enacted battle combat on horseback and on foot to an appreciative audience.

The Carnival was opened by James Hamilton, Lord Governor and effective King of Scotland in 1546, played by Jack Wilson, the Whitlees Gala King and Sophie McLeod, the Gala Queen. The horse joust was opened by Lord Hugh and Countess Mariota Montgomerie, owners of Ardrossan Castle in 1546. Alastair Morriarty and Nicole Postlethwaite acted as the Lord and Countess. Prior to the Carnival, Provost Joan Sturgeon unveiled an information board and viewpoint board.

With the support of North Ayrshire Council, the Castle was open to the public for the first time in four years. It is impossible to know how many people came to the Carnival but over 1300 tour leaflets were handed out at the Castle gate, sometimes one per group of three or four people. It is estimated that there were between 3000 and 4000 visitors.












There is a slideshow of photos on the home page of http://www.ArdrossanPhotographs.net.

George

[Meg]

Thanks for this George - it looks like it was really successful and the good weather was such a bonus. Is it likely to be repeated next year?

Meg

[michaelm]

Good to hear the event was a success and some great pics there by both yourself and Ardrossan Photographs.

[George Ardrossan]

Is it likely to be repeated next year?

Meg
The Carnival will run for at least the next two years.
George

[sweet caroline]

Great to see those photos ,and long may the Tournament remain. Great day out, and nice to see the crowds. Puts spirit back in .

SC

[Hughie]

Much appreciated, George. You did a great job as usual with the photos. Nice to see the weather was kind too.
And, to see real horses on the Cannon Hill? That would be a first in our lifetime. Though mind you, we did ride imaginary ones there each Saturday afternoon after the matinee at the Lyric - skelpin' our bums to go faster to get away from the Apaches.

[morag]

skelpin' our bums to go faster to get away from the Apaches.

Was there a kid in the 3 toons that didn't gallop that way?

[Sarah]

Great photos what a great Idea, is this the first one , nice to see the castle being used , lovely spot on a lovely day...

[bonzo]

Great photaes recognise sir knight he's at marymass quite a lot

[Penny Tray]

The Carnival will run for at least the next two years.

Well done to everyone involved in the organisation of this event. Hopefully the obvious success will result in increased attendances next year and the year after.

[unicornheart]

I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event, next year I will get my packed lunch and sit on hill as it was fantastic to see ,made me soooo proud to be an Ardrossanite!! Was lovely to see kids and of course the adults walk through crowds in the costumes, was great and free, which made it pleasant for parents a great successes thanks to all involved they put on great day out .