AYR’S Tamfest is set to take the town by storm with this year’s Zombie theme.

Starting on Friday, October 27 and lasting until Sunday, October 29, the festival is in its third year and has been dubbed to dominate its previous years.

The Tamfest is a unique celebration of Hallowe’en and heritage of Ayr’s past, basing the weekend on Robert Burns’ 18th century poem ‘Tam o’ Shanter’.

The festival boasts street markets, tours, haunted houses, children’s crafts, music, food, a finale procession and more – bringing in locals and visitors to Ayr.

Speaking to the Ayr Advertiser Series, Meredith McCrindle, the lead producer and founder of the festival, believes this year will be the biggest year they’ve had.

She said: “This year will be the biggest year – it is our third year running.

“It started off as a one-day festival and it has just exploded. We now have it over a three-day period and it is just amazing.

“There is going to be so much going on over the weekend, with big acts like Emily Middlemass and Jane McCarry and Mark Cox from Still Game.

“There will be a procession that is made of community based events called ‘Day of the Deed’ and it will show skeletons dressed up in tartan.

“Each element of the festival has a bit of the Tam o’ Shanter story in the celebrations of Ayrshire and Scotland, bringing the perfect Hallowe’en story.

“It all comes from that and the celebration of Robert Burns with a Hallowe’en twist.

“The gaiety will be getting involved as well as different pubs – we are encouraging everyone to take part in the festival.

“The biggest thing for us is that the Tamfest is a charitable organisation and any money we make from it goes back into the festival for the community in Ayr.”

She added: “I am totally looking forward to it – it is a zombie theme this year.

“Don’t get me wrong, I am not a fan of zombies or haunted houses or anything like that, but it is what the people want.

“And it is something that will definitely be exciting.

“We are looking for volunteers so please get in touch if anyone is interested in helping out – you can check out our Facebook page and join in the fun.

“The vibe of the event is so palpable and the energy in the town is electrifying and it brings the town to life.”

What to look forward to...

The main events at this year’s Tamfest will include performances from Still Game’s Jane McCarry and Mark Cox who have revealed that they have created a special surprise, especially for the Tamfest.

Joining the event, Emily Middlemas, who finished in fourth place on last year’s X-Factor, will be performing on Sunday and will be making a big announcement.

On the Friday, there will be a special viewing of Shaun of the Dead at Ayr Town Hall with the Ayr Film Club as well as the curator of Burn Museum giving an exhibition of the Burns collectables and showings of short films.

On the Saturday and Sunday, there will be street market stall throughout the day and a ‘children’s zone’ at Ayr Central for kids to take part in Hallowe’en themed activities.

Sunday will show the main events of the festival with performances from local and national stars.

Emily Middlemas is set to hold a secret performance after the festival finishes, but the venue will be revealed on the day.

Jill Cronin, Head of Enterprise, Development and Leisure for South Ayrshire Council, said: “Tamfest is a unique event which captures the spirit of Robert Burns and his epic poem Tam o’ Shanter. It’s a fun festival which attracts families from all over Ayrshire and beyond. 

“We have been helping to grow the event and have been working closely with the organisers to plan a parade and other entertainment.”

Changes or additions may be made before the festival begins.